According to a report from Portuguese outlet Diário de Notícias, Sunderland have made a bid of £21million to Benfica for winger Eduardo Salvio.
Sunderland’s record transfer in terms of a fee paid is the £13million move that they made for Asamoah Gyan back in 2010.
They could have paid up to £14million for Steven Fletcher, but he never met the clauses that would have taken the fee to that amount.
If the move for the 26-year-old comes off, it’ll massively eclipse the club’s record transfer.
Argentian international winger Salvio has been at Benfica since 2012, having made a switch from Atletico Madrid. He’s scored 28 goals in 121 appearances for the Portuguese side and his performances have seemingly impressed Sunderland enough to make an offer.
New boss David Moyes will be looking to make the necessary additions to avoid The Black Cats falling into another relegation battle and the arrival of Salvio could certainly help him achieve this aim.
According to the report, Benfica’s President, Luís Filipe Vieira, was in the UK last week to meet with Sunderland’s officials about a possible transfer. Apparently, the two parties discussed a fee and Sunderland officially tabled a £21million bid.
