Orlando Pirates' Thalente Mbatha is believed to have piqued the interest of clubs abroad and landing on the radar of an English Championship club.
According to Siya sources, scouts from the second tier of English football is understood to be monitoring the situation of the Bafana Bafana midfielder.
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Indications are that Sunderland AFC are keeping a close eye on Mbatha.
"It is Sunderland. That's the team that has shown interest in Thalente (Mbatha). Their African scouts have been monitoring his performance mainly in the CAF Champions League games and when he plays for Bafana Bafana. So yes, it will all depend on what Sunderland say about him going forward but they are the ones who have shown the interest in him," the source revealed to the Siya crew.
As previously reported, Pirates have placed a R20 million price tag on the former Highlands Park player.
"Of course, he could go for more money if the enquiry comes from a team playing in the higher league whether it's in England or other Europe countries as long as it's a top tier club in whichever country he is wanted," the source informed Soccer Laduma.
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The 24-year-old midfielder has so far featured in 10 games this season in the Premiership and has been on the scoresheet on three occasions.
Soccer Laduma contacted the Mbatha's agent who poured cold water on the reports.
"To be honest, this is not true," Makaab informed the Siya crew.
The Siya crew reached out the Pirates for comment, with no response at the time of publishing.
