Sunderland look to finally be closing in on a new senior striker.
Sunderland have gone 18 months without a proven goal-scorer, since Ross Stewart picked up a season-ending injury in January 2023.
The Black Cats have since signed Joe Gelhardt, Nazariy Rusyn, Luis Hemir Semedo, Eliezer Mayenda and Mason Burstow – all of whom scored a total of six goals between them.
Supporters are now desperate to see a senior striker join the club and recent reports have now claimed they could be about to sign Alexandre Mendy.
It was reported this week that they had had a bid rejected for the Caen forward, however it is believed that Mendy is eager to move to Wearside over fellow bidders Al Riyadh.
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Alexandre Mendy’s sale to Sunderland ‘is not simple’
The 30-year-old was absent from Caen’s pre-season friendly against Annecy yesterday and head coach Nicolas Seube has now addressed his impending exit.
Speaking to Ouest France, Seube said: “The Mendy file is not simple because the club wants to have a financial return on its sale, and the solicitations are not up to what it hopes.
“This period is long, and for the technical staff and for the player. I hope that we will find the best common ground to prepare Alex well, and that everything is aligned so that he leaves in the best conditions as was the case with Andreas (Hountondji). It allowed good financial benefits for the structure.”
Mendy joined Caen on a free transfer in 2020, however he still has two years left on his contract and so the French outfit are in a good position to negotiate a fee.
It has been claimed that Sunderland bid just less than £840,000 for the striker, but could well be forced to cough up seven-figures if they are to lure him to the Stadium of Light.
Seven-figures for Mendy could still prove to be a real steal
While he will turn 31 years old next season, the Ligue 2 top scorer could be the addition that Sunderland were dying for during the 2023-24 season.
The club will be well aware that if they are to buy from England, then they could be forced to pay significant money due to the inflated market.
Stumping up their bid for Mendy could still prove to be a very good deal if he is able to replicate his form from the French second division, and with Caen clearly open to selling him now, the two parties can surely come to an agreement in the coming weeks.