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

Sunderland’s summer business is accelerating under Régis Le Bris, with Thomas Meunier understood to have completed a medical ahead of a two-year deal. According to Sunderland Echo, an announcement is expected on Wednesday, while fresh links have emerged to Folarin Balogun, Noé Lebreton and Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Meunier, a free agent after leaving Lille, would add experience at right-back and could allow Nordi Mukiele to feature more often in central defence.

He is said to have chosen Sunderland ahead of Hull City and to have walked away from a near-agreement with Valencia after Belgium’s World Cup.

Sunderland are monitoring Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, though Everton are currently viewed as front-runners. The 22-year-old, who can play right-back or wing-back, is valued at about £17million, with Fulham also linked.

Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, rated around £42million, is among forwards being tracked. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also following the 25-year-old, who shone on loan at Reims before joining Monaco from Arsenal.

Any move for Balogun would be ambitious, and there is no suggestion Sunderland have bid or entered advanced talks.

Leeds United are close to a £34million move for Tarik Muharemović, which would send about £17million to Juventus and could accelerate their chase for Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, whose clause near £24million is expiring.

Sunderland have also been linked with NEC Nijmegen’s Noé Lebreton, who posted seven goals and six assists in 27 Eredivisie games after joining from Caen. The strength of interest is unconfirmed and there is no agreed fee or medical.

Source: Sunderland Echo