Sunderland look to be pushing ahead with their summer transfer business ahead of next week’s deadline.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus now comes under less pressure to bring in a new back-up striker now, with Eliezer Mayenda proving his worth with a brace against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.
However, Sunderland remain desperate to bring in a new senior No. 9, with Alexandre Mendy their main target.
It has been over a month since the Black Cats first bid for the Caen forward, but have so far struggled to agree a fee with the French outfit.
Mendy has spoken out about really wanting to join Sunderland and is no longer training with Caen’s first-team, but it has been made clear that he won’t be going anywhere until his suitors pay up.
- READ MORE: Caen now enter talks with Alexandre Mendy replacement ahead of ‘imminent’ Sunderland transfer
Sunderland make seven-figure bid for Alexandre Mendy
It now looks like the Wearside outfit are going all in to sign the ‘prolific’ 30-year-old, with journalist Josue Casse claiming they have dramatically upped their offer.
Sunderland Nation reported last week that the club had only bid six-figures to try and lure Mendy to England, but they are now prepared to pay much more.
Casse wrote on X: “Alexandre Mendy’s entourage hopes for a quick outcome and is counting on the new management of SM Caen to finalize the deal.
“Sunderland have increased their initial offer (amount between 2 and 3M € including bonuses).
“Despite new interests (Lecce, Sampdoria, Salernitana), the player wants to join Sunderland.”
Is Mendy turning down a move to Serie A for Sunderland?
It was claimed last month that Caen’s valuation is just over £4m, which is still plenty more than what Sunderland have now bid.
However, with the deadline approaching and Mendy clearly eager to leave, they could be tempted to agree a deal closer to what the Black Cats have offered.
Mendy certainly seems like the best option for Sunderland and so they need to be prepared to spend the cash to bring him in.
What makes his arrival even more intriguing is that he so badly wants the move to Wearside, with interest from Serie A particularly interesting.
A move to Lecce would surely be tempting for the attacker, but he instead wants to play under Regis Le Bris at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland need to wrap up this move as soon as possible, as the team will be looking very promising if they manage to bring him in before the deadline.