Football
Liverpool and Aston Villa Lock Horns for Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fée in £35m Transfer Battle
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Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League by NurPhoto | Getty Images
Liverpool and Aston Villa are set to battle it out for Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fée this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Our sources understand chiefs in Merseyside and the Midlands have been mightily impressed by the midfield maestro’s maiden season in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old joined the Black Cats midway through last season on loan from Roma with an obligation to buy if the North East club returned to the Premier League.
Once promotion was secured, that triggered a £19million clause as Le Fée penned a four-year deal at the club.
And he has enjoyed a fine start to his Premier League career as one of Sunderland’s standout performers on their return to the top flight.
He has bagged four goals and six assists so far this term, but his quality on the ball, dribbling prowess and ability to unlock defences is what has led to admiring glances from the likes of Liverpool and Villa.
Liverpool are looking to revamp their midfield this summer, whilst Villa are also looking to freshen things up in the middle of the park.
It is understood there are a number of other suitors monitoring Sunderland's stance.
But our sources have been told the Black Cats will not part company with one of their prized assets without a fight as the vultures look set to descend on the Stadium of Light this summer following the club’s impressive first season back in the big time.
It is understood they would want at least £35million for the former Rennes’ midfielder.
Additionally, Liverpool have renewed interest in Igor Paixão is part of a broader attacking overhaul under Arne Slot, with the club actively exploring wide options as they look to refresh their frontline with new wingers this summer.
Sunderland Standout
The Frenchman started his career with Lorient and went on to make over 140 first-team appearances for the club, who he helped to the Ligue 2 title in 2019/20.
He moved to Rennes in 2024 and after only a season at the club was swooped by Roma in a €23million deal.
But after struggling in Italy, he moved to Sunderland and has found his feet in English football adding a Championship promotion to his CV.
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
While snooker is where many readers know him best, cricket is his true sporting passion, though he tends to keep that side of him separate from his professional beat.
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