Sunderland target Clement Chantome to stay in France

French midfielder Clement Chantome has agreed a deal to remain in his homeland, despite holding discussions with two Premier League clubs.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Jun 2016, 11:13 BST

Updated 23rd Jun 2016, 12:18 BST

Sunderland watched Chantome on several occasions during the second half of last season, prior to his contract expiring at Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux.

Chantome had been in advanced talks with two unnamed English clubs, with Middlesbrough and Everton also mooted to be tracking the 28-year-old.

However, French side Rennes are on the verge of confirming the Bosman capture of Chantome on a three-year deal.

New Rennes boss Christian Gourcuff said today: "Clement Chantome has passed his medical and it should be confirmed today."

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has been keen to add a box-to-box midfielder to his squad, as well as re-signing last season's loanee Yann M'Vila.

The Black Cats' midfield options have been depleted by the exit of loan flop Ola Toivonen, while there are question marks over the future of fellow Swedish international Seb Larsson.