Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Donkurque midfielder Enzo Bardeli this summer.
The 23-year-old has been earning rave reviews with his performances in the Ligue 2. He scored three goals and created five assists in 38 league appearances last season, helping his side stay in the second-tier of French football.
His excellent displays at Dunkerque have put him on the radar of several big clubs.
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland have set their sights on the talented midfielder.
Real Valladolid, Lecce, AZ Alkmaar, Atlanta United and teams from Germany and Ligue 1 have also been linked with an interest in the 23-year-old.
Bardeli mainly plays as an attacking midfielder but he can also take on the defensive role.
Sunderland endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign as they finished 16th in the Championship, with just six points above the relegation zone.
The Black Cats will look to make a comeback next season by making some smart acquisitions in the ongoing transfer window.
However, a move for Bardeli doesn’t make a lot of sense. They already have a lot of options for the number 10 role, with Jobe Bellingham, Aouchiche, Elliot Embleton and Chris Rigg on their books.
New arrival Ian Poveda can also play in that position, although he mainly operates as a winger.
So unless they offload any of the above players, signing Bardeli may not be a great idea.
Stats from Transfermarkt
