Lyon could pounce for Cats target
REPORTED Sunderland target Divin Mubama is in talks to sign for Ligue 1 outfit Lyon,
The 19-year-old former West Ham striker was released at the end of the last campaign despite being offered a new deal.
He made 18 appearances for the Hammers and Sunderland were strongly linked with the teenager and said to be the frontrunners to sign him, while West Brom have also been credited with interest.
But according to the Daily Mail, Lyon are one of the leading clubs in talks to sign Mubama on a free transfer this summer.
Sunderland are trying to sign at least one new striker, despite having three forwards in their squad who they brought in last summer.
The Black Cats concluded their pre-season tour in Spain with a 2-1 win over Spanish side CD Eldense, with Tom Watson and Louis Hemir scoring the goals.
Finding the net was a problem last season for the Black Cats and Mubama would be an exciting addition to the squad.
The youngster is a product of the Hammers’ academy and has had some impressive campaigns in their youth ranks. He has 40 Under-18 goals to his name and 18 for the Under-21s.
Sunderland were first linked again earlier this summer and reports even suggested talks had started between the two parties.
However, it now seems Lyon in France are one of the frontrunners and they will be tough competition for Sunderland.
The Black Cats are also reported to have been interested in signing Alexandre Mendy from Ligue 2 side Caen, and it has even been said that the player wants a move to the North East of England.
So far, Alan Browne is the only outfield addition to Sunderland’s squad this summer.