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Sunderland issue firm response to £17m transfer links amid Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen interest Sunderland have denied reports linking them with a £17m move for Moussa Diaby amid interest from Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen Sunderland have denied reports that they were close to signing Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby this summer. Journalist Santi Aouna claimed that the Black Cats had “finalised” the France international’s proposed arrival, only for the transfer to collapse because of difficulties securing the necessary points for him to play in England. However, The Echo understands that Sunderland were not in for Diaby and reports suggesting otherwise have been denied. The 27-year-old could still return to European football before the transfer window closes, with Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan reportedly making offers to Al-Ittihad. Both clubs are said to have submitted proposals worth around €20million (approximately £17.1million), although no agreement has yet been reached and discussions remain ongoing between the relevant parties. Benfica are also believed to be monitoring developments, placing Diaby at the centre of interest from three major European clubs. Diaby joined Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa after spending only one season in the Premier League. A return to Leverkusen would see him rejoin the club where he previously established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous attacking players. The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. Sunderland are actively assessing the market for another right-sided attacker, but Diaby is not understood to have featured in their plans. The Black Cats have instead been linked with Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, Roma attacker Matías Soulé and Bayer Leverkusen prospect Ernest Poku as Florent Ghisolfi continues working through a list of potential targets.