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Sporting CP respond to Sunderland’s Geny Catamo interest as conflicting Portuguese reports emerge Sporting CP have responded to Sunderland’s interest in Geny Catamo amid conflicting reports over the club’s approach Sporting CP have reportedly rejected Sunderland’s initial approach for Geny Catamo and insist the winger will not leave for less than his €60million (£51million) release clause. The Echo revealed on Tuesday that Sunderland were interested in bringing the Mozambique international to the Stadium of Light, with talks taking place over a possible summer move. Portuguese outlet A Bola has since reported that the Black Cats made exploratory contact to establish the conditions required to sign Catamo, who has been on the club’s radar for several months. It is claimed that Sunderland had considered submitting a concrete offer in recent days but that their approach has so far amounted to an informal enquiry rather than a formal bid. Sporting’s response was reportedly emphatic, with the Lisbon club informing Sunderland that they are unwilling to negotiate the 25-year-old’s departure. 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. Catamo is considered an important part of Sporting’s plans for the new season and is under contract until June 2029. Following an extensive overhaul of their squad, the Portuguese champions are said to have decided that no further key players will leave unless their release clauses are met. Catamo’s clause stands at €60million, currently worth approximately £51million. There are, however, differing accounts in Portugal over the precise nature of Sunderland’s approach. Record reports that Sporting rejected an offer from the Black Cats and that there are no longer active negotiations following that decision. A Bola, meanwhile, maintains that Sunderland made only an exploratory enquiry and had not submitted a concrete proposal. The reports nevertheless agree that Sporting’s current stance is firm and that they have no intention of allowing Catamo to leave on the terms discussed so far. Sunderland remain keen to strengthen the right side of Régis Le Bris’ attack this summer, but it remains to be seen whether they return with a formal offer or move on to alternative targets. Sunderland have also been linked with Roma winger Matías Soulé and Bayer Leverkusen attacker Ernest Poku as Florent Ghisolfi continues assessing right-sided options. Catamo is therefore one of several attacking targets under consideration rather than the club’s only route forward.