RB Leipzig ‘have placed’ Chemsdine Talbi on summer shortlist | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are monitoring Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi, who has been added to a summer shortlist as the Champions League club look to sign two wingers, according to Foot Mercato.

The German side are in advanced talks to sell Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande in a move worth about €135 million, though completion has taken longer than expected, the report said.

Leipzig are assessing options to reinforce the squad as a result and have been impressed by Talbi’s speed and versatility over two seasons with Sunderland and Club Brugge. The report added that no talks have taken place between the clubs at this early stage.

Talbi made 30 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland last season, scoring four and supplying one assist. He is due back in training on Wearside this week after a recommended three-week break following involvement in the latter stages of the World Cup this summer. Granit Xhaka, Thomas Meunier and Omar Alderete are also set to return to training this week.

Sunderland would have little appetite to sell Talbi this summer, believing after a positive first campaign that he can kick on again and be a key figure.

The club are in a strong position if interest develops. Talbi signed a five-year deal after moving from Belgium last summer and finances were boosted by the sale of Eliezer Mayenda to Stade Rennais.

Left wing is an area of strength, though Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra could depart this summer. Talbi, alongside Nilson Angulo, is a player Sunderland want to keep, and it would take a massive fee to alter that.

Source: Sunderland Echo