FC Utrecht have confirmed that approaches have made for Sunderland target Sébastian Haller.

The Black Cats were interested in Haller during the summer, but decided against a £6 million bid for the 21-year-old, according to the Sunderland Echo.

However, reports have suggested that they are keen on following up this interest when the winter transfer window opens next month, and Utrecht have confirmed that they have had clubs enquiring about the player since, suggesting that the reported interest from Norwich City could be true.

Sunderland's Premier League rivals have launched a £7 million bid for the French youth international according to reports in Europe, and so it seems they will certainly have competition for the towering striker in January.

Utrecht confirm interest in star man

Wilco van Schaik, General Manager of Utrecht, this week told Dutch press that "there are indeed clubs from abroad who have officially enquired" about their star man.

This comes as little surprise too, as Haller has bagged 21 goals in 30 Eredivisie games since signing for the club - first on loan from Auxerre before making that deal permanent this summer.

Van Schaik admitted that the club have "expected" the interest as he has not only caught the eye for Utrecht, but "he has also impressed in recent internationals" too, scoring seven goals in 12 appearances for France's under-21 side.

Thus, the General Manager sees the enquiries are something that were going to be "unstoppable."

Haller has impressed with France's under-21s as well as with Utrecht. (Photo: Chronicle Live)
Haller has impressed with France's under-21s as well as with Utrecht. (Photo: Chronicle Live)

He also revealed that "there was a lot of interest" in the summer, but that the club "turned the bids down because they did not meet [their] expectations."

However, now they "are having talks" and, even though "nothing needs to happen...in the middle of the season," van Schaik conceded that he and Utrecht "are not so arrogant to say 'never'" as there can come a time "when you cannot resist" an offer.

Haller focused despite speculation

The player, however, is not letting the rumours get to him or affect his game as he continues to drive Utrecht up the table. The club currently sit eighth in the table, only outside the European play-off spots on goal difference, with Haller's goals having played a big part in this.

"I'm really focused on Utrecht," the Frenchman told Dutch media earlier this week, adding that he "want[s] to repay the confidence they placed in [him]."

Regarding his future and the rumours, on the other hand, he said that this will be "discuss[ed]...with the club and people concerned."

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]