Régis Le Bris provides Bertrand Traoré contract update and outlines Sunderland plan | OneFootball

Sunderland have opened talks with Bertrand Traoré over his future, with a final decision agreed to be taken later. The club hold an option to extend his initial one-year deal.

According to Sunderland Echo, head coach Régis Le Bris said it is too early to decide, adding that Traoré and director of football Florent Ghisolfi have already discussed the situation and will wait.

Traoré joined from Ajax on deadline day last year and quickly became a regular under Le Bris. He has made only two appearances since the Africa Cup of Nations.

The winger sustained a serious knee injury with Burkina Faso, then suffered a recurrence at Elland Road earlier in March, and is expected to be out for around another month. Sunderland still hope the 30-year-old can contribute in the run-in, when Ghisolfi is expected to revisit the contract call.

With Nilson Angulo also ruled out for four to six weeks, Le Bris intends to spread the workload in wide areas across two to four players rather than leaning on one.

Chris Rigg strengthened his case with an eye-catching display in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton. Chemsdine Talbi and Eliezer Mayenda are alternatives, and Trai Hume has been used higher up when Nordi Mukiele has played full back.

Le Bris highlighted Rigg’s positive response after a difficult festive spell and said he must sharpen his end product. He also pointed to Rigg’s versatility across No. eight, No. 10 and right wing.

Source: Sunderland Echo