Sunderland set to beat West Ham! Black Cats in pole position to land top target as deal nears completion – fans buzzing as signing could be finalised any moment now!

Sunderland Set to Beat West Ham to Bilal El Khannouss Signing – Black Cats Push Ahead in Race for Moroccan Star

Sunderland are reportedly leading the chase to sign Leicester City’s Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, as the battle heats up with Premier League side West Ham United and French outfit AS Monaco also showing interest.

According to L’Équipe, the 21-year-old playmaker is attracting attention after a solid season with the Foxes, where he notched three goals and five assists across 36 appearances. Despite only recently joining Leicester from KRC Genk and signing a long-term deal through 2028, El Khannouss is said to be keen on leaving this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Sunderland, now preparing for their Premier League return, have stepped forward as front-runners, with Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi personally spearheading the move. The Black Cats are reportedly eager to wrap up the deal as soon as possible, and the player is seen as a key creative addition to Régis Le Bris’ evolving squad.

While both West Ham and AS Monaco have also made contact regarding a potential deal, Monaco would first need to offload a player before they can act decisively. West Ham, meanwhile, appear to be trailing Sunderland in terms of negotiations and readiness to strike.

Though *L’Équipe* doesn’t mention a definitive fee or Leicester’s willingness to let go, it’s clear that Sunderland have taken a proactive lead in the transfer pursuit. The club’s ambitions and early summer business have already caught attention, and adding El Khannouss would further signal their intent to compete seriously in the Premier League this season.