Sunderland face Chris Mepham transfer decision after what happened v Hearts
Sunderland are continuing to push for signings ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
The general belief had been that the Mackems had made the best signings out of the three promoted teams and looked set to stay up next season.
However, supporters’ views have changed following their 3-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday (26 July), with one key position needing more quality.
That’s where last year’s fan favourite Chris Mepham could come into play.
Sunderland need defensive reinforcements after loss to Hearts
Regis Le Bris has been exploring the possibility of bringing in a centre-back after Chris Mepham returned to his parent club, Bournemouth.
The Mackems have tried to sign Bafode Diakite from Lille, but that ship seems to have now sailed.
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
| Sunderland | 40 | 1 |
The defender would have cost the Black Cats around £30million, and 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.
Mepham could be available at a fairly cheap price this season, with the defender having just one year remaining on his contract.
The Welshman was a favourite on Wearside as he made many vital tackles and interceptions as he helped the Black Cats to promotion.
Sunderland have so far struggled during preseason, drawing 1-1 to Sevilla and losing 1-0 to Sporting Lisbon.
The friendlies so far will have helped Le Bris prioritise what positions to strengthen, with their openness at the back combined with their lack of a clinical touch up front worrying for the Mackems.
Sunderland must make decision on Mepham soon
As the transfer window crawls to a close, Sunderland must decide whether to sign Mepham or not.
Should Bournemouth receive and offer with plenty of time to find a replacement, a move to the Mackems could be on the cards.
However, if Le Bris leaves it too late to make a move, Sunderland could be left scrambling for a new defender in the final couple of days of the transfer window.
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