Régis Le Bris issues Bertrand Traoré contract update and outlines Sunderland plan | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland have opened talks with Bertrand Traoré over his future, with all sides set to decide later.

Sunderland Echo reports that Traoré signed a one-year deal after leaving Ajax on deadline day last year, with a club option for another season. He became key under Le Bris but has played only twice since leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, then sustaining a knee injury and a recurrence at Elland Road in March that may sideline him for about a month.

Sunderland remain hopeful the 30-year-old can contribute in the final weeks. At that stage director of football Florent Ghisolfi is expected to reopen discussions to assess whether everyone wants to continue for another season.

With Traoré out and Nilson Angulo sidelined for four to six weeks, Le Bris said before the 1-0 loss to Brighton that the wide role would be shared. He argued it is too much for one young player to repeat.

Chris Rigg pressed his claim with an excellent display against Brighton ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby. Chemsdine Talbi and Eliezer Mayenda are alternatives, and Trai Hume has been used higher when Nordi Mukiele played at full back.

Le Bris praised Rigg’s response to a testing festive spell after being substituted against Aston Villa following Reinildo’s red card. He sees him as versatile, able to play as an eight, a 10 or on the right, though his end product still needs work.

Source: Sunderland Echo