The Black Cats are looking to strengthen their squad before the transfer window slams shut
Sunderland remain hopeful of bringing in further attacking options before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the week.
The Black Cats have held talks with RB Salzburg forward Roko Simic last week, although face competition from a number of clubs across Europe to sign the Croatian youth international. The 20-year-old is highly thought of after coming through Salzburg’s illustrious youth set-up and remains a target for Kristjaan Speakman and co.
Sunderland are also still monitoring the situation over in France, with Caen forward Alexandre Mendy reiterating his desire to move to Wearside. The French forward has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Black Cats but Kylian Mbappe’s takeover at the Ligue.2 club has made things difficult.
The 30-year-old claims to have been promised he could leave the club this summer, only to be denied by the club’s hierarchy. Mendy released a bombshell interview in France to update supporters on his current situation.
“I am waiting,” he told SportaCaen.fr. “With my family, we have planned. It is especially hard for my loved ones. We live in boxes. My head is in Sunderland.
“It’s not something you can refuse, because it’s England, a football country. The coach has wanted me for a long time. It’s not just a question of money, otherwise I would have gone to Saudi Arabia. But it’s interesting for me and I don’t want to miss this opportunity.
“I also think about my family, my children. For my children’s education, it would be a good thing for them to discover a new country, a new language.”
Sunderland have already strengthened their forward line with the loan signing of Wilson Isidor from Zenit, prior to their 1-0 win over Burnley, and hold an option to buy the 23-year-old if he impresses at the Stadium of Light this season.
His arrival may well postpone a search for an immediate Jack Clarke replacement after the Black Cats’ talisman sealed a move to Ipswich Town, believed to be in the region of £15m rising to the £20m mark via add-ons. Isidor is capable of playing across the front three and his best work has come from the left-hand side of the pitch.
The Black Cats are also expected to be busy in terms of outgoings with Hemir, Jewison Bennette, Joe Anderson, Zak Johnson, and Timothee Pembele all expected to seal moves away from the Stadium of Light.
There are also question marks over Abdoullah Ba and Adil Aouchiche’s immediate future with Regis Le Bris addressing their absence from the matchday squad against Burnley. He said: “They were not selected for this game but if they work well, they will be involved for the next one. It is like that.
“The season is very long, so the players didn’t play today or were not in the squad, they will have an opportunity to play if they work very hard.”
When pressed further to see if either could leave this week, Le Bris said: “It’s a possibility. The transfer window is still open and it is very unpredictable so we will see.”
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