Sunderland enter race for Aaron Wan-Bissaka transfer, West Ham set valuation
Sunderland are one of three Premier League clubs said to be keen on a deal for West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Black Cats will have plenty of business to do in the coming months, though the expectation is that it will be far less hectic than it was last summer when they brought in 15 new players.
Sunderland are likely to prioritise quality over quantity, with Regis Le Bris' side in need of depth to compete in the Europa League.
With Dennis Cirkin's exit already announced, the Wearsiders are almost certain to bring in a new left-back this summer, either as a back-up to Reinildo, or to compete for a starting place.
But amid new reports from recently relegated West Ham, they may also be in the market for a right-back.
How much would Sunderland have to pay for Wan-Bissaka?
As of now, it's unkown just how much money Sunderland will have available to spend this summer, though a handful of marquee additions are likely.
Which makes a move for Wan-Bissaka seem somewhat nonsensical, given that they may have to pay upwards of £20million to sign him from West Ham.
That is according to ExWHUEmployee, who reported via the West Ham Way that the Black Cats have joined Everton and Fulham in the race to sign him.
Fenerbahce have also shown an interest in the defender, who is looking increasingly unlikely to be willing to stick around in the Championship.
For now, his focus will be on the World Cup with the former Man United star set to team up with Noah Sadiki for DR Congo.
What would this mean for Sunderland?
If there's one position where Sunderland have adequate cover, it is arguably at right-back.
However, links to Wan-Bissaka may suggest that Le Bris sees either of the above-mentioned pair elsewhere in the squad.
Mukiele can feature as a centre-back, while Hume was utilised as a right winger for the latter stage of the campaign, albeit not to much effect.