Sunderland are apparently trying to double their US national team contingent, but it looks like they may have to up their bid.
NBC Sports soccer studio host Rebecca Lowe mentioned the bid during the Southampton vs. Sunderland broadcast earlier today and reports from Italy suggest that the Black Cats have made a $10 million offer for Michael Bradley.
However AS Roma have rejected the Premier League clubs offer.
Rumors have circled for some time about Bradley joining Jozy Altidore in the North East of England, with Sunderland’s American owner Ellis Short is said to be a huge fan of bringing the USA’s star midfielder to the Premier League.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has already signed Bradley’s US national team pal Altidore, for $13 million earlier this summer and Altidore could have a huge input on whether or not Bradley arrives.
But even though Sunderland are an established top-flight club, this would be a bit of a strange move. 26-year-old Bradley has been a regular since joining Roma from Chievo in 2012 and is enjoying a successful Serie A career to date.
(More: MLS Insider, Michael Bradley – A child of MLS)
Bradley has had one brief spell in the Premier League in the past with a loan stint at Aston Villa not going well back in 2011, when he joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
However ahead of the 2014 World Cup, could Bradley’s spot as a regular in the Roma starting lineup be under threat?
After playing extremely well and becoming a fans favorite during his first season in the Italian capital, it’s hard to see that happen.
So for me, Bradley should stay where he’s at.
The whole idea of whether or not Bradley is more suited to Serie A or the English Premier League also comes to the fore, but the US national team midfielder has stepped up his game considerably since briefly turning out for Villa in 2011.
It’s a difficult one, but admiration from fans and a fresh start under a new manager in Rome is pretty hard to leave. Especially for a cold winter in Northern England for a team that won’t be creative and is just looking to consolidate itself in the Premier League. Harsh as that sounds, it’s the reality.
Sunderland’s bid was turned down by Roma, but even if they come back with an improved offer, it’s hard to see Bradley leaving Serie A for Sunderland.
But you never know…
(MORE: Would the move really make any sense for Michael Bradley?)