Leeds United star Noah Okafor subject of shock Sunderland enquiry met with 'swift rejection'
Sunderland are said to have shown surprise interest in Leeds United’s Noah Okafor
Leeds United star Noah Okafor has reportedly been the subject of surprise deadline day interest from Sunderland.
The 26-year-old is a key figure in Daniel Farke’s squad and impressed in his maiden Premier League campaign after joining from AC Milan last year.
He has made 36 appearances for the Whites and scored eight goals two of which came in a stunning win over Manchester United.
Surprise Noah Okafor enquiry
According to The Athletic, Leeds’ Premier League rivals Sunderland enquired about the Switzerland international’s availability earlier on.
Leeds are thought to have swiftly rejected the possibility of an exit for Okafor, with the Whites hoping to strengthen rather than lose an important attacking outlet.
Leeds would have sparked fury had they allowed Okafor to part with mere hours of the window remaining, as it would have proven incredibly difficult to get a replacement in. The fact Sunderland are league rivals would have only intensified the anger felt by many supporters.
Leeds United’s deadline day business
The Whites have loaned Wilfried Gnonto to Fiorentina and are hoping to replace him with France youth international Jean-Mattéo Bahoya in the final hours of the window.
An agreement is said to have been reached with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, who appear set to sanction a loan deal containing an obligatory buy clause.
Leeds are also believed to be close to unveiling Nice defender Melvin Bard as a new loan recruit to prove competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson in the left-back department. Gudmundsson has only recently recovered from an injury and has been covered by James Justin, who is a right-back by trade.
Leeds have also allowed young playmaker Sam Chambers to build senior experience by joining Northampton Town on a temporary basis.