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

Sunderland’s transfer drive is gathering pace as Régis Le Bris shapes a squad for Premier League and Europa League football. Thomas Meunier is nearing a move, and fresh links have emerged to Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Folarin Balogun and Noé Lebreton.

Fabrizio Romano reports the Belgium right-back has completed his medical and agreed a two-year contract, with Sky Sports adding an announcement is expected on Wednesday. Meunier is a free agent after leaving Lille, could compete with Trai Hume, and his arrival could free Nordi Mukiele to feature centrally.

TEAMtalk reports Everton have stepped up their long-standing pursuit of Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with Sunderland monitoring the 22-year-old. He is valued at around £17m and can play right-back or wing-back, while Fulham have also been credited with interest.

Italian journalist Nicolò Schira claims Sunderland are among the clubs following Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, rated at about £42m, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also attentive. 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 Noé Lebreton of NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old posted seven goals and six assists in 27 Eredivisie games last season, helping NEC finish third and reach the Champions League third qualifying round. The strength of Sunderland’s interest is unclear, with no fee or medical confirmed.

Source: Sunderland Echo