Sunderland are set to secure a move for Wales international Chris Mepham according to reports from Mark McAdam.
The 26-year-old has struggled for game time under new Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, only making thirteen total appearances over the past two seasons. Illia Zabarnyi has appeared in both Premier League games this season, with Marcos Senesi and new signing Dean Huijsen picked as his partner.
Mepham’s last appearance in a Bournemouth squad was in March, appearing in a 2-1 win over Everton. According to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, his exodus from playing football is about to end with a loan move to Sunderland.
The Black Cats are yet to make a defensive signing in this window, instead relying on existing options Luke O’Nien and former Accrington Stanley loanee Ajibola Elese as a makeshift centre-back pairing in their last league game against Burnley.
Mepham is already heading to Wearside for his medical, with the deal having no additional option or obligation to sign the defender at the end of his deal. The news comes as reports suggest that Timothee Pembele is set to join French Ligue 1 side Le Havre AC.
It is not the only area Regis Le Bris’ team are focusing on before the window shuts tonight, with a striker becoming a key area of concern after a window of frustration. Alexandre Mendy’s move from Caen collapsed with days to go, and recent rumours are hinting at a loan move for Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana.
Sunderland were also in for Leicester City’s Tom Cannon, but their reported £5 million fee was turned down. The Foxes are looking to loan out the 21-year-old, with Stoke City pushing to sign him for the season.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Sunderland Nation, former Burnley player Fofana and Gift Orban from Lyon are two strikers admired by The Black Cats. Only one will join the club this window, with the latter is expected to be the subject of a battle between The Rokerites and Scott Parker’s side should OL sanction a move.
Writer’s View
Whilst it was not the area Sunderland were expected to focus on before the window shuts, a deal for Chris Mepham is brilliant. A defender with plenty of top-flight and international experience, he seems like a great partner to put alongside captain Luke O’Nien. With Bournemouth shifting towards Andoni Iraola’s vision, it seems that the traces of the club’s early years in the Premier League are slowly being removed.
Sunderland do need a striker today and David Fofana would be a good choice. He has previous experience in England with Burnley and whilst he may not have been prolific for The Clarets, but his last season at Molde does hint there is a gem in there. Regis Le Bris has done well in Wearside so far and ultimately a move for a striker will help him realise the club’s goals to be competing at the top of the league.
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