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.
