Sunderland ‘to sign’ Thomas Meunier as Noé Lebreton and Brooke Norton-Cuffy links surface | OneFootball

Sunderland’s recruitment drive is accelerating, with Thomas Meunier completing a medical ahead of a proposed two-year deal as Régis Le Bris prepares for Premier League and Europa League demands.

Fabrizio Romano reports the Belgium international has passed his tests and agreed terms, while Sky Sports says a formal announcement is expected on Wednesday. The 34-year-old is set to join on a free after leaving Lille, adding European experience and competition for Trai Hume, which could free Nordi Mukiele to feature more often at centre-back.

Sunderland are also monitoring Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, though Everton are currently leading the chase, according to TEAMtalk. The England Under-21 international is valued at around £17million, with Fulham previously credited with an interest.

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, rated at around £42million, is another name being followed. Italian journalist Nicolò Schira claims Juventus tracked the former Arsenal forward during the World Cup, adding that Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland and two other Premier League clubs are keeping tabs. There is no suggestion Sunderland have made an offer or entered advanced talks.

FourFourTwo reports Sunderland are close to adding a French attacking midfielder and identifies NEC Nijmegen’s Noé Lebreton. The 22-year-old joined from Caen last summer and recorded seven goals and six assists in 27 Eredivisie games, helping NEC finish third and reach the Champions League third qualifying round.

Source: Sunderland Echo