Sunderland have been linked with a move for Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi

Sunderland are closing in on a deal to sign promising winger Jocelin Ta Bi, according to reports.

The Ivorian is currently on loan at Israeli side Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya, and has registered two goals and two assists across 12 top flight outings so far this term. Bi also played a key role in helping Hapoel achieve promotion last season. Predominantly operating off the right flank, he has garnered plenty of praise and attention in recent months for his dribbling ability and the quality of his left foot.

Indeed, earlier this month it had looked as if Celtic were closing in on a move to bring the 20-year-old to the British game, but talks over a £2.6 million deal seemingly unravelled at the eleventh hour, despite medical staff from the Glaswegian giants travelling to Israel to wrap up an agreement.

Bi himself even went as far as to comment on his anticipated move to Scotland, stating, as quoted by the Daily Record: "Playing for a club like Celtic is a dream come true for me. But without the support and love I received in Israel, I would not have reached these levels. The decision to come here and the trust I received from the club and my friends led me to progress.

"I will not forget the period I have had on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and the love and warmth that surrounded me. I am going to fulfil a big dream, at a famous club and in one of the best stadiums in the world."

But now, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, Sunderland look set to step in with a swoop of their own. It is claimed that the Black Cats are now in a “strong position” to sign the attacker having been impressed by his profile.

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What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland’s January transfer plans?

Speaking in a press conference last week, Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris suggested that his side were still some way off wrapping up any kind of incoming transfer this month. He said: “There is nothing at the minute.

“The period is a really interesting one. It’s tough, and even with a number of absentees, the level of the squad remains really consistent, which is really positive. That shows the depth of the squad and the versatility of three or four of our players, which is really useful for game management. If we can improve and reinforce the squad, we will try to do that. But what we have learned will also be important for the next transfer window.

“We are in a good place, which is really positive. We might have been in a different position, in a rushed process where we had to reinforce the squad in this position or that one. That is not the case though. It is a good position, a comfortable one, but we still want to be ambitious. We will not have a massive window, that is really clear, but if it is possible to do something, we will. It is always unpredictable though because of lots of elements can influence the situation. There is the availability of the players, then there is also our way of assessing what we need. It evolves through this period, but we are in a good place.”

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