Sunderland AFC transfer round-up: French defensive pair on the radar

Sunderland could make a double raid on the French market, with a couple of defenders linked from across the Channel.
Sam AllardyceSam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce

France's Ligue 1 proved to be fruitful for Sunderland in the January transfer window and it is a market that they are continuing to scour.

Sunderland were credited with an interest in Lille full-back Djibril Sidibe last month and there have been fresh reports that the Black Cats and Monaco are leading the race for the 23-year-old.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, Lille are looking for in excess of £10m for Sidibe, while Watford are also interested in a defender who has another three years to run on his contract.

Sunderland, along with West Ham, have reportedly made enquiries for Nice's out-of-contract right-back Jeremy Pied too.

Nice are keen for the 27-year-old to sign a fresh contract, but they are facing an uphill battle, with St Etienne and Bordeaux interested, along with the two Premier League sides.

Meanwhile, as the Echo reported today, Sunderland have told agents that they are looking to address five priority positions this summer.

Find out which areas they are looking to fill here.