Sunderland have now stepped up their pursuit of a new striker.
The Black Cats have welcomed two new signings to the club so far this summer, wrapping up a free transfer deal for Alan Browne last week.
Sunderland are eager to bring in some experience to their squad ahead of the new campaign, with fans desperate to see a proven goalscorer added to their ranks.
Recent reports had claimed they were now prioritising a ‘senior striker’ and it now looks like their mission is well underway.
Having spent a large chunk of their manager search in France, eventually bringing in Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have now returned to Western Europe in a bid to sign a new striker.
Sunderland are in ‘negotiations’ with Ligue 2 striker
According to Foot Mercato journalist Josue Casse, Sunderland have made a bid to sign Caen attacker Alexandre Mendy.
He wrote on X: “A new club enters the dance for Alexandre Mendy. Sunderland sent an offer to Caen for the top scorer in L2 last season.
“Ongoing negotiations between the Black Cats and Normandy management. Al-Riyadh also made an offer.
“Imminent departure for the former Girondins de Bordeaux striker.”
Mendy struggled to make his mark in France before joining Ligue 2 side Caen in 2020.
The 30-year-old has since been a hit in front of goal, bagging a total of 65 goals and providing 11 assists in 142 appearances for the club.
He also netted an impressive 22 goals in only 37 games last season, finishing as the Ligue 2 top goalscorer and was also named in the Ligue 2 Team of the Year.
Can Alexandre Mendy replicate his form in the Championship?
After failing to win promotion, Mendy looks set to leave Normandy and Sunderland are eager to snap him up.
It’s unclear how much the striker will cost the Black Cats, though his age will surely contribute to his fee.
Little is known about Mendy on Wearside, but his goal tally in Ligue 2 is certainly very attractive.
The French second division certainly shouldn’t be looked down at either, having produced the likes of Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
Georges Mikautadze finished as the 2022/23 top scorer and has since gone onto impress at the European Championships, earning himself a reported move to Lyon.
Mendy’s age could be of concern, but if the club can snap him up for a fair sum then it could be worth the risk.
He definitely adds some experience and could well be a player that Le Bris is eager to sign himself.
Competition from the Saudi Pro League could be tough though, as the Black Cats have absolutely no chance if he favours a big pay cheque towards the end of his career.