Udinese ask Sunderland for Ekwah and challenge for Alexis Sanchez | OneFootball

Udinese have reportedly asked Sunderland for midfielder Pierre Ekwah and continue to challenge Lille and Olympique Marseille for Alexis Sanchez.

The Friulani had a real scare last season when they were on the verge of relegation, saving themselves with a final day victory over Frosinone.

They are trying to rebuild under new coach Kosta Runjaic and that means bringing in reinforcements.

According to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, they have made an approach to Sunderland for 22-year-old midfielder Ekwah.

He came up through the FC Nantes academy before moving to Chelsea in 2018, then joined West Ham United and transferred to Sunderland in January 2023.

Ekwah made 43 appearances for Sunderland last season, scoring five Championship goals and providing two assists.

Udinese want Ekwah and Alexis Sanchez

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia argue that Udinese are still pushing for the return of Alexis Sanchez after his contract with Inter was allowed to expire.

It would be a romantic comeback to Friuli for the 35-year-old Chile international, who first came to Europe for Udinese in 2006, sold to Barcelona two years later.

However, they face competition from two sides in France, namely Lille and Olympique Marseille.

It would be a return there too, as Sanchez played for OM in the 2022-23 season on a one-year contract.