Sizable Will Still compensation fee revealed that may have torpedoed Sunderland move

Will Still says there were discussions with Sunderland about becoming their new head coach, as a report revealed the hefty compensation sum the Black Cats would have had to pay Reims to get him.

Still was the frontrunner for the Sunderland job after Tony Mowbray was sacked, and talks reached an advanced stage according to L’Equipe.

However, no move materialised and former Rangers boss Michael Beale hired instead.

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Reports that Still is keen on a move to England appear to be accurate, though, with him admitting that he has planned to make the Premier League or Championship the next stop in his career.

It would have reportedly cost Sunderland €5million to get him out of his Reims contract, though, a figure that may have ultimately put paid to the pursuit.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Still said: "Isn't that normal in the football world? Sunderland was definitely not the first club that showed concrete interest in me.

“Since the start of this season, Stoke, Swansea, Lyon, Rennes and a lot of other clubs have contacted me.

"My next club will most likely be in England, yes. That's what I have in mind."

The reports continues to mention the release clause, which tallies with reports coming out of France during Sunderland's interest.

"A departure from Reims is currently not obvious," the report says, "because his release clause is no less than five million euros. That amount would be lower next season."

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