Sunderland linked with £42m striker as fresh Noé Lebreton and Brooke Norton-Cuffy transfer claims emerge

Sunderland’s summer transfer work is beginning to accelerate as Régis Le Bris prepares his squad for a demanding season of Premier League and Europa League football.

Thomas Meunier is now on the brink of becoming the Black Cats’ latest signing, while fresh reports have linked Sunderland with defensive, midfield and attacking targets across Europe.

Here is the latest from around the transfer market.

Thomas Meunier announcement expected

Thomas Meunier has completed his Sunderland medical ahead of signing a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Belgium international has passed his medical and agreed terms with the Black Cats. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie also says a formal announcement is expected on Wednesday.

Meunier is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his Lille contract. The 34-year-old will bring considerable international and European experience, while offering competition for Trai Hume at right-back. His arrival could also allow Nordi Mukiele to operate more regularly in central defence. Sunderland have been exploring several options in that position, but Meunier represents a low-cost and experienced addition ahead of the club’s return to continental competition.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Meunier had a choice between Sunderland and Hull City but opted to join Le Bris’ side, who can offer both Premier League and Europa League football. Sunderland also appear to have hijacked a proposed move to Valencia. Reports in Spain claim Meunier had practically finalised an agreement with the Mestalla club and was waiting for Belgium’s World Cup campaign to end before completing the move.

Valencia reportedly believed the deal was effectively agreed, only for Meunier to change direction and travel to England after accepting Sunderland’s offer. His decision is said to have caused frustration at the Spanish club, who must now continue their search for a right-back.

Sunderland monitor £17m Norton-Cuffy situation

Sunderland are also reportedly monitoring Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, although Everton currently appear to be leading the race. TEAMtalk reports that Everton have stepped up their long-standing interest and held fresh discussions over a possible move for the England Under-21 international.

Norton-Cuffy is now said to be open to returning to the Premier League, having developed significantly since leaving Arsenal for Italian football. The report adds that Sunderland are keeping track of the 22-year-old’s situation as sporting director Florent Ghisolfi continues assessing defensive additions ahead of the new campaign.

Norton-Cuffy, who can operate at right-back or wing-back, is understood to be valued at around £17million by Genoa. Fulham have also previously been credited with an interest, but Everton are currently described as the most active club in the pursuit.

Fresh Folarin Balogun claim

Sunderland have also been linked with £42million-rated Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. Italian journalist Nicolò Schira claims Juventus monitored the former Arsenal forward during the World Cup and have shown an interest in his situation. Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland and two other unnamed Premier League clubs are also said to be following Balogun. The 25-year-old came through Arsenal’s academy before rebuilding his reputation during an impressive loan spell with Reims. He subsequently completed a permanent move to Monaco, where he has continued his development.

Balogun would represent an ambitious addition for Sunderland as Le Bris looks to ensure his squad can cope with a heavier fixture schedule. There is no suggestion at this stage that Sunderland have submitted an offer or entered advanced negotiations. The latest claim places the Black Cats among a group of interested clubs rather than indicating that a deal is close.

Muharemović transfer could affect Lucumí pursuit

Leeds United’s impending £34million move for Sunderland-linked Tarik Muharemović could have implications for another defender previously associated with the Black Cats. Leeds are expected to sign Muharemović from Sassuolo after offering the highest transfer fee and strongest salary package. Sunderland and Bournemouth were also interested, but the Elland Road club moved decisively after losing Pascal Struijk.

Leeds had a more pressing need to sign a centre-back than Sunderland following Struijk’s departure, which appears to have been reflected in their willingness to commit such a significant fee. Juventus retained a 50 per cent sell-on entitlement when Muharemović moved to Sassuolo. The Turin club are therefore expected to receive approximately £17million from the deal, with Sassuolo collecting the remaining half.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reports that Juventus could use that income to strengthen their pursuit of Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí. The Colombian has also been linked with Sunderland and had a release clause worth approximately £24million. That clause is due to expire, although Juventus are reportedly confident they may be able to negotiate a small discount afterwards. Lucumí is said to have put other proposals to one side while Juventus consider whether to make their move. Sunderland’s current position regarding the defender remains unclear.

Black Cats linked with NEC midfielder

Sunderland have also been linked with NEC Nijmegen attacking midfielder Noé Lebreton. FourFourTwo reports that the Black Cats are close to adding a French attacking midfielder to Le Bris’ squad and has identified Lebreton as the player in question.

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The 22-year-old joined NEC from French second-tier club Caen last summer and registered seven goals and six assists in 27 appearances during his first Eredivisie campaign. Lebreton helped NEC finish third in the Dutch top flight, securing the club’s first appearance in the Champions League third qualifying round. Sunderland already have a successful recent relationship with NEC after signing goalkeeper Robin Roefs from the Dutch club last summer.

Lebreton can operate centrally or in a more advanced midfield role and would fit Sunderland’s established recruitment model: a young player with development potential who has already performed regularly in a senior European league. The strength of Sunderland’s interest is yet to be established, however, and there has been no confirmation of an agreed transfer fee or scheduled medical.

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