Régis Le Bris provides Bertrand Traoré contract update and explains Sunderland rotation plan | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland have begun talks with Bertrand Traoré about his future, with a final call to come later in the season.

According to Sunderland Echo, Traoré signed an initial one-year deal after joining from Ajax last year, with a club option for another season. He has made only two appearances since departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, sustaining a serious knee injury with Burkina Faso and a recurrence this month that is likely to keep him out a month.

Sunderland remain hopeful the 30-year-old can feature in the run-in, after which director of football Florent Ghisolfi is expected to revisit the option. Le Bris said it is too early to decide, adding Traoré and Ghisolfi have spoken and nothing is settled.

With Nilson Angulo also out for four to six weeks, Le Bris, speaking before the 1-0 defeat to Brighton, said the wide role would be shared given its demands, particularly for younger players.

Options include Chris Rigg, whose display against Brighton pushed him into contention for the Tyne-Wear derby, plus Chemsdine Talbi and Eliezer Mayenda. Trai Hume has also operated higher up when Nordi Mukiele has been available at full back.

Le Bris praised Rigg’s response to a difficult festive period and said he still needs to improve his end product.

He added the teenager is versatile, able to play as an eight, a 10 or on the right, and that his work-rate can sometimes blunt his finishing, but his mindset is excellent.

Source: Sunderland Echo