Sunderland ‘to sign’ Thomas Meunier as Folarin Balogun, Noé Lebreton and Brooke Norton-Cuffy links | OneFootball

Thomas Meunier is on the verge of joining Sunderland after completing a medical ahead of a two-year deal. Fabrizio Romano reports he has agreed terms, and Sky Sports says an announcement is expected on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Lille, bringing European pedigree while competing with Trai Hume at right-back. His signing could also allow Nordi Mukiele to feature more centrally.

Belgian and Spanish reports suggest Meunier chose Sunderland over Hull City and moved away from a near-agreement with Valencia. He is said to have travelled to England instead, leaving the Mestalla club frustrated.

Sunderland are monitoring Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, though Everton are understood to be ahead and have held talks, TEAMtalk reports. The 22-year-old is valued at around £17m, with Fulham also linked.

Sunderland have been linked with £42m Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. Italian reports claim Juventus tracked him during the World Cup and remain interested, with Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland and two unnamed Premier League sides also following, though no Sunderland offer has been indicated.

Leeds are closing on a £34m deal for Sunderland-linked Tarik Muharemović. Italian reports add Juventus would receive about half via a sell-on and could then push for Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, whose clause near £24m is due to lapse.

FourFourTwo reports Sunderland are close to signing a French attacking midfielder and identifies Noé Lebreton of NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old recorded seven goals and six assists last season, though there is no confirmation of a fee or medical.

Source: Sunderland Echo