Sheffield United transfer target Chris Mepham would like to return to Sunderland next season if the chance arises, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
The 27-year-old joined the Black Cats on a season-long deal from Premier League outfit Bournemouth last summer in an attempt to reignite his career. The Cherries return to the top tier in 2022 saw his minutes on the pitch gradually decrease, and the move back to the Championship offered him an opportunity of regular first team football.
Mepham proved a big hit at the Stadium of Light. Making 40 appearances, he started the play-off final at Wembley Stadium last month, helping his team secure a famous victory over Sheffield United.
He has now returned to the south coast, where is contract at the Vitality Stadium is set to expire this month. However, Bournemouth are expected to trigger the additional year clause before selling this summer.
Sheffield United Set To Lose Out?
A return to Wearside could be on the cards as Sunderland prepare for life in the Premier League. According to Bailey, via EFL Analysis, this would be the player’s preference, although it very much depends on what fee his parent club will demand:
“I don’t think he’s out of the realms of possibility for Sunderland. He did a really good job there. It’ll depend on what Bournemouth are asking. He’s definitely available. But he would be a fantastic signing for Sheffield United as well.
“I think he’s going to leave, and going back to Sunderland is something the player would like, but the Sheffield United thing is there as well.
“I think it is really between those two at the moment. Because he’s on a good wage as well, it would take a team with a decent budget in the Championship to get him.”
Continuing, Bailey speculated that one of the other promoted clubs could also show an interest:
“Or, it could be one of those promoted teams. Do we see Burnley coming in for him? They may have to lose Maxime Esteve, and they’ve lost CJ Egan-Riley already. I wouldn’t rule Burnley out of the running on that one.”
Writer’s View
Sheffield United may well be down the list when it comes to Mepham’s preferred destinations this summer, but they’re not out of the running. Sunderland will almost certainly explore a deal but it will come down to whether they feel they are getting value for money. If Bournemouth are demanding a significant fee, they could well explore other options, particularly Premier League proven talent. Although the defender will be hoping for a return to the Stadium of Light, a move to Yorkshire could yet still materialise.
