Multiple reliable new sources are reporting that Sunderland have submitted a concrete bid for Fermin Lopez Marin. The midfielder remains under contract at Barcelona, but the opening offer has opened the door for discussions between the two clubs - though it is unclear at this stage whether the current bid will be enough to tempt them to part with a prized asset. Sunderland are still pushing to finalise terms. However, Newcastle, Chelsea and Man Utd are still watching closely and may return with offers of their own. With 1.05 goals scored per game this season, Sunderland could use more imagination between the lines. Fermin Lopez Marin would be expected to connect play and boost chance creation in advanced areas. Barcelona have also been linked with Igor Vinicius, Bernardo Silva and Branimir Mlacic while Sunderland are reportedly monitoring Othmane Maamma, Ilan Kebbal and Lamine Camara. Stay tuned to PlayerSwitch for up-to-the-minute football transfer rumours and news from your club and beyond.