Sunderland continue to be linked with Marti Cifuentes as they search for a new manager.
The clock is ticking on Sunderland’s manager hunt, with 13 days having passed since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus‘ ‘imminent’ statement.
The club are reportedly looking at ‘unnamed candidates’, while Cifuentes is the only name to have been mentioned since Liam Rosenior pulled out.
The Spaniard joined QPR in November and guided them out of the relegation zone, eventually finishing level on points with the Black Cats.
Sunderland would have to pay the six-figure compensation fee to lure him away from Loftus Road, but it looks like they are quickly running out of options elsewhere.
Cifuentes could be an exciting arrival for Sunderland, while he could potentially bring some positive signings with him.
Three players Sunderland could sign under Cifuentes
Chris Willock
It was reported in April that Sunderland were in talks with Chris Willock over a move to Wearside, with his contract set to expire this month.
The ‘brilliant’ midfielder was an ever-present figure in Cifuentes’ team, finishing the season with four goals and four assists in 39 matches.
Willock is yet to sign a new deal with QPR and will remain a target for Sunderland either way, but could be more tempted if Cifuentes was to join the club too.
Lucas Andersen
Cifuentes snapped up Andersen on a free transfer from Danish club AaB in January and has since impressed, with the head coach previously praising his ‘fantastic‘ performances.
The 29-year-old scored once and bagged four assists in 12 starts for the London club.
He has a year left on his contract at Loftus Road and could be a tough player to lure away, though he may also be tempted to reunite with Cifuentes.
Marc Leonard
Leonard has caught the eye of a number of Championship clubs after claiming eleven goal contributions for Northampton Town last season.
QPR, Birmingham, Rangers and Legia Warsaw are just some of the clubs showing interest in the Brighton midfielder.
If Cifuentes is eager to sign Leonard, then he could request Sunderland pursue him too.
Journalist Darren Witcoop has reported that he could be available for £400,000, though already has six offers on the table.