Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris refused to rule out Wilson Isidor’s departure after revealing he’s held conversations with the striker.
Isidor could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light this month and has been linked with a transfer to Everton.
The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Sunderland due to the form of Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda.
Toffees boss David Moyes wants Isidor to bolster his attacking options and provide competition for the struggling Beto and Thierno Barry.
Sunderland Boss Talks Wilson Isidor Future
Reports suggest Everton have made contact with their Premier League rivals to assess whether they would be willing to allow Isidor to leave the club this January.
That question was put to Le Bris, who stated he would like to keep his striker but admitted talks between the player and his agent have taken place.
He said in his press conference: “For Wilson, I’ve had many conversations with him and his agent recently. He’s a really good player, important for us, and did really well in the past, and for sure in the future as well.
“We still have momentum, and for Sunderland, it’s positive to have Brian in good form. Two strikers in Eli and Wilson are ready to go. It’s normal to have some difficult periods because they are still young and new in the league.
“I don’t know if it’s possible to sustain the level for the full season in this league. It’s normal to have different periods.”
His last start for Sunderland came at the beginning of December, and a minor injury has ruled him out of two of the last three league matches.
Isidor cost Sunderland just £3.3million from Zenit St Petersburg almost 12 months ago and helped fire them to the Premier League last season.
It’s believed they would be holding out for around £25m to consider letting him leave this month.
Anthony Patterson Transfer Update
The Sunderland manager was also asked about the future of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who is being linked with a move to the Championship.
QPR, Millwall and Leicester are just three of the sides who are interested in taking the club’s No2 this month.
Speculation of his future was increased after it was revealed that Sunderland are in talks to sign Jonas Omlin from Borussia Monchengladbach.
His arrival as back-up to Robin Roefs would then free up Patterson’s move to the Championship.
When asked about Patterson, Le Bris responded: “It’s tough to speak about individual players, but the whole idea is still the same.
“For players who need minutes, the conversation is still open, and if we can find an agreement, positive for both sides, the club and them, we’ll move forward.
“At the minute nothing is official for any players, but we’re working hard behind the scenes.”
