Sunderland have been knocked back in pursuit of one of their summer transfer targets.
Sunderland are looking to add to their two summer signings before they kick-start their 2024/25 Championship season with a trip to Cardiff City on August 10th.
The Black Cats have so far signed free agents Simon Moore and Alan Browne, but Kristjaan Speakman also has outside interest in his Sunderland players to deal with.
So far this summer, all of Jack Clarke, Anthony Patterson, Dan Ballard, Jobe Bellingham, and Trai Hume have been linked with moves away, with Hume the subject of a £7million bid from Galatasaray which was knocked back.
For Speakman, signing a new and prolific striker is the key. He’s already outlined his desire to bolster the striker department this summer, and to give Regis Le Bris enough firepower to ensure he can compete with Sunderland in the Championship next season.
But the Black Cats have recently been knocked back in pursuit of one of their striker targets.
Sunderland see transfer bid for Caen striker Alexandre Mendy knocked back
Sunderland have recently been linked with Caen striker Alexandre Mendy, who won the Ligue 2 Golden Boot in France last season after scoring 22 goals in the league.
Emerging reports from French outlet Actu has revealed that Sunderland and Saudi outfit Al Riyadh have both seen transfer bids for Mendy knocked back by Caen.
It’s claimed that Al Riyadh’s bid fell below the €500,000 mark and that Sunderland’s bid fell below €1million (£0.84million).
Caen are thought to be open to selling Mendy this summer but only if their valuation is met; their exact valuation remains unclear.
Mendy is now thought to be pushing for a move and will not take part in the club’s upcoming friendly match vs Annecy on Saturday.
Why Sunderland may be in the driving seat to sign Alexandre Mendy this summer
Competing with Al Riyadh may become difficult for Sunderland, with the Saudi club likely having plenty more resources to come back in with an offer for Mendy.
And it could become an expensive transfer race with the player under contract until 2026 and having multiple suitors, so Caen could easily hike the price up into the millions.
But with Sunderland having appointed a French manager this summer, it may certainly give the Black Cats an edge in the race to sign Mendy.
Le Bris may be able to play a part in the move and in tempting Mendy to join his project at Sunderland as what would be his first marquee signing at the Stadium of Light.
With few strikers at the club, there would surely be game time available for Mendy, and a first chance to show his skills in England.