‘Chris Mepham ready for Sunderland return’ after new transfer failure
Sunderland are continuing to push for signings ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
Régis Le Bris has already made six ambitious signings, spending more than £100million as they look to make their return to the top flight a successful one.
The young Mackems have done well to invest for both the present and the future, but having only added Reinildo to their back line, they are still in need of reinforcements.
The Black Cats have now targeted another young player, Bafodé Diakité, as Le Bris once again looks to the French market.
Sunderland have bid turned down for Diakité
Le Bris is now exploring the possibility of bringing in a centre-back after Chris Mepham returned to his parent club, Bournemouth.
As reported by L’Equipe (17 July), Sunderland and Bournemouth have had offers of £23.3million for Diakité rejected by Lille.
The Frenchman has impressed since arriving from Toulouse in August 2022 and would bring Champions League experience to Wearside after helping his side to the Champions League Round of 16.
However, given Bournemouth’s incredible season in the top flight last season, added to their attractive financial status, Le Bris’s side could struggle to match the Cherries in the transfer market.
Though the Mackems have shown that they have the funds to compete for big money signings, they could look elsewhere for a more familiar centre-back.
Sunderland must move for Mepham after Diakite failure
Despite Bournemouth triggering the option to extend Mepham’s contract until 2026, the Black Cats still have a strong opportunity to sign the 27-year-old.
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The defender was crucial in helping the Stadium of Light side to promotion last season and would be welcomed back in the North East.
With just a year left on his contract, Mepham wouldn’t blow the budget for the Mackems, like the Diakite deal would.
He would also bring some much-needed experience to Le Bris’ young side and can offer versatility in defence, having at times slotted in at right-back last season.
We will soon see how Kristjaan Speakman and the recruitment team respond to the Diakite knockback, but either way, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sunderland return for their former loanee.
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