Leicester City have rejected a bid from Sunderland for Kasey McAteer, it has been claimed. The Black Cats are keen to add another winger to their squad before Monday's 11pm deadline with Tommy Watson subject to a £13million proposal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Watson, 18, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after coming through the club's academy, scoring twice in 12 appearances. Although he is currently out injured, Watson has travelled down to Brighton for a medical and is expected to sign for the Seagulls IF Sunderland find a replacement.

At this moment in time, however, a deal for Watson is OFF. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have turned down Brighton's latest £13m bid for the teenage sensation.

READ MORE: The transfers Sunderland could complete before tonight's 11pm deadline

READ MORE: Chris Rigg £25m transfer value truth as Crystal Palace monitor 'smart' Sunderland star move

Chronicle Live understand that Sunderland won't sell unless they replace Watson, with a number of different players being targeted with less than seven hours to go until the window closes.

It was reported earlier on Monday morning that the Black Cats had made an approach to sign Simon Adingra. Adingra's potential move to Wearside was said to be a loan with an obligation to buy if Sunderland are promoted. But Brighton are not open to that and Adingra is set to remain on the south coast.

Now, in an attempt to strengthen their forward line in case Watson is sold, Sunderland have made a bid to sign McAteer from Leicester, as per The Athletic. The Black Cats presented an offer of a loan with an obligation to buy for £8m, rising above £10m with add-ons.

This proposal was rebuffed but Sunderland are expected to return with another offer while Leicester search for a replacement. McAteer, who has three-and-a-half years left on his contract at the Foxes, has made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, with four of them coming from the start.

McAteer came through the Leicester academy and spent time out on loan at AFC Wimbledon and Forest Green before enjoying a breakthrough season in 2023/24. He helped fire the Foxes back to the Premier League with six goals in the Championship, including their second goal in a title-clinching 3-0 win at Preston North End.