Sunderland Hit By Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United Transfer Fear as Black Cats Eye Ligue 1 Ace

As the transfer window progresses, Sunderland look braced to miss out on key target Tarik Muramehovic this summer, with Premier League foes Leeds United moving ahead of the Black Cats in the race for his signature.

Earlier in the window, reports emerged that Sunderland were interested in signing Muramehovic, alongside the likes of Juventus and fellow top flight side Bournemouth.

Following those reports, updates emerged in recent days that two of Sunderland's biggest rivals, Newcastle United and Leeds United, were also interested in signing the Sassuolo defender ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Now, unfortunately for the Black Cats transfer team, Leeds have stepped up their pursuit of Muramehovic, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano outlining on X that the Elland Road outfit have presented a verbal contract offer to the Bosnian international.

With Leeds now pushing to complete the move ahead of multiple Premier League rivals, Romano adds that the club are confident of getting the deal done in the coming days, with talks to follow with the 23-year-old's parent club.

Although Sunderland may have to move on from other targets in the left centre-back role, the Black Cats have reportedly eyed a potential defender to add cover and competition at full-back.

Away from the Muramehovic developments, new reports have emerged that Sunderland are interested in signing Angers full-back Jacques Emokie in the summer transfer window.

Reporter Nicolo Schira revealed on X that the Black Cats, along with Besiktas and Hamburger SV, are interested in signing the 22-year-old defender, who featured 32 times in Ligue 1 for Angers last season.

In regards to the 18-time capped Gabonese international, on paper he is on attractive proposition for the current needs of Regis Le Bris' Sunderland squad, where full-back cover is needed ahead of next season.

With Dennis Cirkin's exit from Sunderland this summer, this leaves ex-Atletico Madrid stalwart Reinildo Mandava as Regis Le Bris' only trademark left-back option, with Trai Hume capable on both sides but naturally an impressive right-back.

Former Bordeaux starlet Ekomie plays the majority of his football at left-back, but being a natural right-footed player would make him capable of covering both flanks of the defence, and would be a welcome bonus to the Sunderland boss' squad depth heading into the Premier League and Europa League campaigns.

Therefore, Sunderland's interest makes sense, as does the financial aspect regarding a prospective move for the Angers defender, who has an estimated £7.7m transfer market value (according to Transfermarkt).