Sunderland have had a £3.4m bid knocked back for forward Matija Frigan, according to a report in the player's native Croatia. HNK Rijeka man Frigan finished as his club's top scorer last season with 14 goals in 27 games - a return which also made him the second-highest scorer in the Croatian top flight.
The 20-year-old's goals helped Rijeka finish fourth in the table and secure a place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. And a report in sportske novosti claims that the Croatia U21 international's form has also attracted interest from Sunderland, prompting the Black Cats to submit a bid - although that opening offer has been turned down.
The outlet says Rijeka have been expecting bids for their best players such as Frigan and 'it's only a matter of time' before someone meets their asking price. Rijeka also turned down a bid from New York City FC last season but the MLS side is thought to retain an interest in him.
READ MORE: Elliot Embleton to miss Sunderland's trip to the USA, as Tony Mowbray gives fresh injury update
Rijeka president Damir Miskovic has apparently said that his club will not be rushed into a sale, nor will it allow players to leave on the cheap. Frigan is primarily a centre-forward - which is the keyy position that Sunderland are trying to reinforce this summer - although he can also play out wide, and that versatility would be a bonus.
At present, with Ross Stewart set to miss the start of the season as he continues his comeback from a ruptured Achilles, summer signing from Portugal Hemir Semedo is the Black Cats' only fit senior centre-forward. It was an area that proved a problem position for Sunderland last season when Stewart was injured and on-loan Everton man Ellis Simms was recalled to Goodison Park at the start of January.
Joe Gelhardt arrived in January on loan from Leeds United but he was not a direct replacement for Stewart. At the weekend Tony Mowbray said Sunderland had a couple of deals 'in the pipeline' and has said that adding more firepower is a priority ahead of the new season.
