Reports in the Turkish media yesterday have claimed some rather bizarre details regarding Wahbi Khazri, in particular suggesting that the Tunisian playmaker has asked to leave the club on a free transfer.

In the report from Fotospor it is alleged that Khazri’s representatives have asked for the player to leave the club for nothing on the basis that we’ve been relegated to League One, and that the wage restrictions that are set to be placed upon us as a result are unacceptable.

Roker Report have since moved to clarify these rumours, and have been told that this is indeed the case and that Khazri’s agent has made this oddly specific request in a bid to get his client away from the club as soon as possible.

The same goes for Lamine Kone, another player whose agent is trying it on a bit in order find a move away that works on his terms, but as we understand the club have made it very clear to the agents of both men that they have a valuation for the players and if those are not met, the players will be forced to meet their contractual obligations and play for the club next season in League One.

Roker Report also understands that an offer of €6m has been turned down for Khazri, as the valuation is nowhere near the amount that the club believe they should receive for the services of a player who has been one of the standouts in Ligue 1 this season.

Khazri has two years left on his Sunderland deal and, on the back of an impressive spell with Rennes, the club are understandably going to want to ensure that they get the best possible price for the player. But, if their estimation isn’t met, he will make up part of Jack Ross’ squad next season as we look to get back into the Championship.

It’s a strange but new start for the club under the leadership of Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven, who quite clearly won’t be as easy to push over as the men in charge of the previous administration were.

The message is clear - buying clubs either meet our valuation or you’ll be playing League One football next season. Charlie Methven famously stated on his first day at the club that “the p*ss-taking party is over”, and it would appear that Sunderland’s new owners are staying true to their word.