Sunderland are expected to intensify their transfer activity in the coming weeks after a slow window so far. Thomas Meunier remains the only signing this summer, with Regis Le Bris' squad preparing for their first European campaign in over 50 years.
The Black Cats boss has stressed the need to add quality rather than quantity to their ranks, and so far, they have kept their key players at the club. The Wearsiders have been linked with a move for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie and are still in talks with the Ligue 1 side, though they have identified other targets should they fail to agree a fee.
Bargain deal 'eyed' for World Cup forward
French outlet La Provence claims Sunderland are interested in taking advantage of Marseille's financial plight with a bargain move for United States forward Timothy Weah. The 26-year-old, who predominantly operates as a winger, has shown versatility in recent years playing on either side of defence.
It's claimed the Black Cats believe Weah could be bought for a 'bargain' fee, having only joined Marseille on a permanent deal this summer following an obligation in a loan agreement with Juventus. Weah made 41 appearances in all competitions for Marseille last season, scoring three goals, and his £12m move was reportedly made permanent earlier this summer.
ChronicleLive says: "On paper, a move for Weah makes sense, but only if they want to add a squad player to their ranks and a 'bargain fee' can be agreed. Marseille's current financial plight makes that a possibility. Sunderland have shown they're more than happy to sign players who are versatile and can operate in a number of positions, but this summer feels different. There aren't too many concrete links with Weah and Sunderland need an out and out right winger who's going to score goals and notch assists. His record doesn't exactly add that to the Black Cats squad."
Black Cats 'enter race' for £50m defender
DSports claim Sunderland and Brentford are plotting a £50m move for West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer. The Senegal international was one of few bright sparks for the Hammers, who were relegated last season, making 35 appearances for West Ham.
The left-back is being linked with a return to the top flight, as West Ham look to rebuild following relegation. ChronicleLive says: "It's no surprise to see Sunderland linked with a move for another full-back, as they look at alternative targets to Dayann Methalie, with talks dragging on with Ligue 1 side Toulouse. The Black Cats have had a bid in the region of £28m rejected, for the rising French star. So, to see them linked with a £40m-£50m move for Diouf, seems pretty ridiculous. They won't be signing the 21-year-old for that price, given they're negotiating a cheaper fee for their main target in that position. Unless something drastically changes, they won't be signing Diouf for that sort of fee."
Sunderland star breaks silence as transfer 'breaks down'
Abdoullah Ba has reportedly broken his silence to address his move from Sunderland to Peterborough United breaking down. The French playmaker, who has not featured for the Black Cats in almost two years, was on the verge of joining the League One side after a deal had been agreed between the two clubs.
However, Ba claims his requests had not been met by the Posh and took to social media to explain the move breaking down. According to the Peterborough Telegraph, Ba said: "Hello, I’d like to address the rumours. Yes, I’ve seen them. I’m not naive enough not to have seen them. An agreement was reached with the club for me to leave and join Peterborough United. The requests were not met and it didn’t seem right for my group of directors for my career. My future at Sunderland is still awaiting official confirmation but I can’t say much."
ChronicleLive says: "It's a blow for Sunderland who are actively looking to offload Ba this summer. The Black Cats have had success in offloading a number of fringe players, yet Ba, who has not featured for Le Bris, is still at the club."
