Player rejected Sunderland move but now left empty handed

Rather than only shopping domestically, the club are clearly looking across different markets for players who can improve the squad while still offering resale value.

Lira would have been an intriguing addition. He is comfortable sitting in front of the defence, reads the game well and has enough technical quality to help a team play through pressure.

The biggest question is whether he would have adapted quickly enough to the Premier League.

For Sunderland, missing out is hardly a disaster, but it does leave the door open for January.

For Lira, the situation is more frustrating. He wanted Europe this summer and came close, but his determination to wait for the right league has left him at Cruz Azul for now.