underland are set to miss out on another striker in Matthis Abline.
That’s according to Ouest France, who have reported that Abline is now in advanced talks over a move to FC Nantes.
Abline caught the eye of Sunderland this summer following his loan spell with Ligue 1 side Auxerre, where he netted three goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.
Rennes are said to value the striker at around £6.8 million and the Black Cats have been linked with a move more than once in recent months, while L’Equipe also reported that Middlesbrough were tracking the Frenchman.
Abline is thought to be eager to leave Rennes in search of regular first team football, however it looks like his next destination won’t be Wearside.
The 20-year-old is now in negotiations over a move to Nantes, with the French club offering a loan with an option-to-buy and are currently waiting for a response.
Abline has also attracted interest from Metz and Le Havre, but currently looks most likely to take the short journey north.
Matthis Abline is yet another target missed by Sunderland
Despite increasing rumours around Jay Stansfield, Sunderland still don’t seem to be much closer to landing a striker.
Tony Mowbray’s side now have only a week left before the transfer window shuts and fans are beginning to get very worried that they are going to be left with only one available forward once again.
Stansfield’s future at Fulham may depend on whether the Premier League club can bring in a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic though, meaning Sunderland may be forced to wait until the final hours of the window.