Sunderland ‘linked with’ £42m Folarin Balogun as Noé Lebreton and Brooke Norton-Cuffy claims surface | OneFootball

Thomas Meunier has completed a Sunderland medical ahead of a two-year deal, with an announcement expected on Wednesday. According to Sunderland Echo, the Belgium international has agreed terms as the club also assess moves in defence and attack.

Meunier is set to join on a free after leaving Lille. The 34-year-old would add European pedigree and contest Trai Hume at right-back, and his arrival could let Nordi Mukiele feature more often in central defence.

He is understood to have turned down Hull City and a proposed switch to Valencia after travelling to England. Sunderland view him as a low-cost, experienced option before their return to continental competition.

Sunderland are monitoring Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, though Everton currently lead the race. The 22-year-old, valued at about £17million, can play right-back or wing-back.

The Black Cats have also been linked with £42million-rated Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are said to be tracking the 25-year-old, and there is no indication Sunderland have bid or entered advanced talks.

Leeds United are closing on Tarik Muharemović in a £34million deal, which could affect defensive targets elsewhere. Juventus hold a 50 per cent sell-on, and may push on for Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, whose clause was about £24million and is due to expire.

NEC Nijmegen playmaker Noé Lebreton has also been named as a target. The 22-year-old posted seven goals and six assists in 27 Eredivisie games, helping NEC finish third and reach the Champions League third qualifying round, though no fee or medical has been agreed.

Source: Sunderland Echo