Sunderland look set to do battle with local rivals Newcastle for left back Cheikh M’Bengue who is available on a free transfer as per The Chronicle.
M’Bengue, 27, is in demand after he ran his contract down with French side Stade Rennais. He is interesting a number of clubs from the Premier league and abroad. Cheikh M’Bengue said:
Many clubs have approached me. Saint Etienne asked me and there is also Sunderland, clubs in Turkey, Newcastle – I will leave it a little time but not too long.
Big Sam has lost Wes Brown, Sebatian Coates and DeAndre Yedlin this summer and is on the lookout for defensive reinforcements.
Cheikh M’Bengue has also played at centre-back previously but not for a number of years and is also able to play wing-back which again gives Sam Allardyce more options.
Big Sam looks to step-up his transfer activity in the coming weeks as the Black Cats are set to report back for pre-season training.
