Portuguese news outlet Record has claimed that Sunderland have reached an agreement in principle with Benfica over the signing of Andreas Samaris.
The outlet added that the Black Cats will pay a fee of €20 million which would make the Greek international the most expensive player in the clubs history eclipsing the 2016 purchase of Didier N’ Dong for a sum close to £14 million.
Should the Black Cats remain in the Premier League, then it is likely that Samaris will join them. It is understood however that the 27-year-old will not be willing to play in the Championship.
David Moyes’ side are now seven point adrift in the relegation zone, with 10 games left to play and it looks increasingly likely that they will be relegation.
Should relegation happen, it would be difficult for them to convince Samaris to sign. The player has made 19 appearances for Benfica this season, failing to score a goal.
