Sunderland AFC news: French midfielder linked, Niall Quinn comments on Roy Keane

The Black Cats, Leicester, Wolfsburg, West Ham and Southampton have all been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, according to reports in France.

However, Mendy is predominantly a defensive midfielder, with Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce confirming last weekend that he was looking for an attack-minded player in the middle of the park.

Allardyce is likely to continue looking at the French market though for summer reinforcements after Lamine Kone and Wahbi Khazri made such an impact following their moves across the Channel in January.

Sunderland skipper John O'Shea has called for the Black Cats to sign more players of the calibre of Kone, Khazri and Jan Kirchhoff if the club are to avoid another relegation struggle next season.

“We added to the quality of the squad in January and hopefully the manager will get the chance to do that again,” said O’Shea.

Meanwhile, former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says he would give Roy Keane a glowing reference if Celtic approach the Republic of Ireland assistant manager after the European Championships.

Keane has been strongly linked with the vacancy at Parkhead after previous managerial spells in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich.

Quinn said: "Wherever he goes next, I'd have no hesitation if anyone came to me as his former chairman (to recommend him). He's in a great place, but maybe after the tournament."