Simon Adingra to return as Monaco pass option, Porto interest in Eliezer Mayenda emerges | OneFootball

Simon Adingra will return to Sunderland after AS Monaco declined their purchase option, leaving key calls on the wing. FC Porto are the latest to show interest in Eliezer Mayenda as his future is assessed.

AS Monaco confirmed they would not take up the option following the winger's half-season loan, which began on deadline day and enabled Sunderland to sign Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht. The club said in a statement that he made 17 appearances, with 3 goals and 2 assists, and wished him well with Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Adingra started brightly and featured regularly, though inconsistent form and Monaco's failure to reach the Champions League look to have informed the outcome. Had the option been exercised, Sunderland would have recouped a significant portion of the initial £18 million paid to Brighton last summer. Ivory Coast face Norway in the last 32 on Tuesday at 6pm UK.

His pre-season return gives Régis Le Bris four senior left wingers, with Angulo and Chemsdine Talbi set for prominent roles. Romaine Mundle is expected to be fully fit for the start of pre-season after a hamstring issue, though his future, like Adingra's, is uncertain. Sunderland must now decide whether to reintegrate him or pursue a loan or permanent exit.

Porto have registered interest in Mayenda, though early claims a deal was close were swiftly played down in Portugal. Sunderland are thought to be aware of interest in the 21-year-old, and several clubs remain in the race as he weighs up his future. Stade Rennais have held initial talks and he is thought to prefer a permanent move to boost minutes, with Brian Brobbey's stellar form limiting opportunities.

Sunderland are unlikely to stand in his way, and a sale could deliver a major profit, both in cash and SCR terms, after his just under £1 million 2023 arrival.

Source: Sunderland Echo