Stade Rennais ‘in advanced talks’ for Eliezer Mayenda with £22m deal mooted | OneFootball

Stade Rennais are emerging as clear frontrunners to sign Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda this summer, with momentum building around a permanent move.

Foot Mercato reports that the ambitious Ligue 1 side are in advanced talks over a deal, after it became clear Sunderland were ready to sanction his exit and the player wished to pursue a new opportunity.

Any agreement is expected to deliver a major profit on the initial fee of one million euros paid to Sochaux three years ago, though the French club are understood to retain a significant sell-on clause. The package is expected to be worth around £22 million including add-ons, which would significantly bolster Sunderland's SCR position heading into the window and beyond.

Sunderland retain faith in Mayenda’s ability, but accept his wish for regular minutes after he spent much of last season as their third-choice striker. His prospects of starting regularly on Wearside are not seen as likely to change in the near term, with Brian Brobbey enhancing his reputation with stellar displays for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

A deal is not yet finalised and rival interest remains, so the picture could still shift. It is nevertheless increasingly clear that Mayenda is likely to leave on a permanent basis this summer. Should he join Stade Rennais, he could bid farewell at the Stadium of Light when the clubs meet in a pre-season friendly on 15th August, and they could also cross paths in the Europa League group stage next season after both qualified.

Source: Sunderland Echo