Luis Suárez has already made a strong impression since joining Sporting in the summer. His form could once again catch the eye of English clubs, especially Sunderland, who were previously close to landing him.

Back when the Colombian striker was still at Almería, several Spanish outlets reported that Sunderland were among the clubs seriously considering a move for him. 

However, Almería were asking for around €25m (£21.3m), a figure newly promoted Sunderland chose not to meet. Sporting decided otherwise and went on to make Suárez their record signing, paying €22m (£18.7m) plus €5m (£4.25m) in bonuses.

Now, after seven goals and two assists in just 13 matches for the Lisbon side, Suárez’s profile is rising fast in Europe. He’s joint-top scorer in the Portuguese league with six goals from eight appearances and has quickly established himself as Viktor Gyökeres’ successor at Sporting.

In this context, Portuguese outlet O Jogo relayed an interview from the player’s former agent Juanlu Gómez. He revealed that the striker has long dreamed of playing in England. 

“Luis always had offers, even when he suffered the fibula injury that kept him out for seven months. When that...