Sunderland forward Josh Maja is set to complete a £3.5m move to Ligue 1 side Bordeaux this month.
The 20-year-old has been in fine form for the Black Cats this season, scoring 15 goals in League One, with his form being crucial to their current position of third in the League One table.
Responsible for almost a third of Sunderland’s league goals this season, Maja has attracted plenty of interest this month, notably from Premier League sides Cardiff City and Crystal Palace over a possible move.
However, in a stunning turn of events, Sky Sports have reported that Maja will move across the channel to France to join Bordeaux, who currently find themselves sat 10th in the Ligue 1 table.
With the striker out of contract in the summer, Sunderland are now resigned to losing their star asset, who two weeks ago rejected the offer of a new contract to stay at the Stadium of Light.
He becomes the latest in a line of young English players to try their hand playing abroad, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson and Ademola Lookman all tasting success during their time in Germany in the Bundesliga.
Rather than lose the player on a free transfer in the summer - though they would be due compensation to him being under the age of 23 - Sunderland are cashing in on him now, although the fee is below their valuation of the player.
Sunderland have recently been linked with a move for Wigan Athletic striker Will Grigg, who has often been used as a substitute by the Championship side this season. The Northern Ireland international has scored 64 goals in his last three full campaigns in League One.
