In-demand Swedish defender Filip Helander has denied paying a visit to Sunderland, but admits he is dreaming of moving to the Premier League, with time remaining in the window for his dream to come true.

The defender, who is currently under contract with Italian side Hellas Verona, has been linked with both Sunderland and their fierce rivals Newcastle United.
 



Verona are looking to cut costs following their relegation from Serie A last term and Helander could follow his former team-mate Pierluigi Gollini by heading to England; goalkeeper Gollini joined Aston Villa earlier this summer.

Helander has denied paying Sunderland a visit ahead of move, though conceded that the Premier League excites him, something which may well rule out a move to Newcastle.
 


He told Swedish daily Expressen: "No, that's not true [that I visited Sunderland]."

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But the Premier League remains a genuine attraction, with Helander saying: "It is clear that the Premier League is interesting.

"For me it has always been a childhood dream.

"But I'll see.

"There are still a little more than two weeks left in the transfer window so a lot can still happen", Helander added.

Verona snapped Helander up from Swedish side Malmo last summer, after the defender had helped the club to two Swedish Allsvenskan league titles.

Helander quickly established himself in the side at Verona, but was unable to help the club avoid relegation from Serie A last term.