SUNDERLAND’S leading scorer Josh Maja is understood to be on the verge of a move to Bordeaux in a deal worth £3.5m.
The 20-year-old is hot property following his blistering start to life in League One and his 16 goals have attracted interest from home and abroad.
Now, despite plenty of interest in him from the Premier League and the Championship, French club Bordeaux have moved ahead of the rest in the battle for his signature.
Really delighted to sign for FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins). Very excited for this new challenge, and the next phase in my career at this prestigious club. Would like to thank everyone for their continued support and warm wishes, I am truly grateful. #bordeaux pic.twitter.com/JPPilOsXiu
— Josh Maja (@joshmaja) January 27, 2019
It is understood that Bordeaux have agreed a fee with Sunderland. And owner Stewart Donald has claimed tonight that Maja will not play another game for the club after packing his things up at the Stadium of Light.
The two clubs are believed to be just discussing the finer details of a deal for a player who is out of contract in the summer.
It has been mooted recently that he could spend the rest of this campaign back at Sunderland, whoever he moves to, and that the Wearside outfit will be looking for a sell on clause.
Sunderland would be due compensation after offering him a contract which was thought to be worth seven times what he is on now.
He has looked certain to leave Sunderland after deciding against signing the fresh terms, but it was unclear whether he would go in January or in the summer.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross, speaking on Tuesday night, said: "I want clarity and I believe that clarity might come over the next couple of days.”
Ross is still hoping to secure the services of Wigan striker Will Grigg after making two offers for a striker who was prolific in League One. Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter is also on the radar.
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