The Black Cats are said to be considering a move for former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Sunderland are looking to replace Jobe Bellingham's midfield workrate by targetting out-of contract star Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to reports.
The Black Cats are already close to completing deals for Habib Diarra and Reinildo Mandava as they look to bolster their squad for the challenges of the Premier League.
And now they have been linked with a move for 32-year-old Doucoure, who became a free agent when his contract expired on Monday.
According to Football Insider, Sunderland are now plotting a move to sign the experienced Frenchman, who played an important role for the Toffess in the last campaign.
At 32, Doucoure still has plenty to offer and was praised by manager David Moyes on his way out of Merseyside.
The Everton boss told reporters: “I think he’s been a great servant to the club, he’s done a great job over many years here.
"We made him an offer and he’s got a better one to go elsewhere. So, from that point of view, we have to live with that.”
Doucoure has also been linked with a move to fellow Premier League new boys Leeds United, although they appear to have switched their focus elsewhere.
Unlike Diarra, Doucoure would be able to make up for the loss of Bellingham’s defensive work to create a balanced, fresh midfield partnership at the Stadium of Light.
In two moves, head coach Le Bris could have a midfield capable of survival and more at his disposal.
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