Sunderland ‘monitoring’ Brooke Norton-Cuffy as Noé Lebreton link and £42m striker claim surface | OneFootball

Sunderland’s summer transfer business is gathering pace under Régis Le Bris. According to Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports, Thomas Meunier has completed a medical and agreed a two-year deal, with a formal announcement expected on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old is set to arrive on a free after leaving Lille. He would add European pedigree and compete with Trai Hume at right-back, while potentially freeing Nordi Mukiele to feature more often in central defence.

Sunderland are also monitoring Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, though Everton are currently leading talks, TEAMtalk reports. The England Under-21 international is valued at about £17million and can play right-back or wing-back, with Fulham previously linked.

Sunderland have been linked with £42million-rated Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. Italian journalist Nicolò Schira says Juventus monitored him during the World Cup and, along with Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland and two other Premier League clubs, are following his situation. There is no suggestion Sunderland have bid or entered advanced negotiations.

Leeds United are set to sign Sunderland-linked Tarik Muharemović for about £34million, which would hand Juventus roughly £17million due to a 50 per cent sell-on. Alfredo Pedullà reports Juventus could use that to pursue Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí, whose £24million release clause is due to expire. Lucumí is said to be waiting on Juventus, and Sunderland’s stance is unclear.

FourFourTwo reports Sunderland are close to adding a French attacking midfielder and has identified Noé Lebreton of NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old posted seven goals and six assists last season and fits Sunderland’s recruitment model, though no fee or medical has been confirmed.

Source: Sunderland Echo