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Thomas Meunier (33) is set to stay at Lille despite interest from Sunderland in his services, according to a report from [**Sacha Tavolieri**](https://x.com/sachatavolieri/status/1960733424232153442). The Belgian international defender was expected to leave the Stade Pierre Mauroy this summer.
However, following a change of heart from the Les Dogues management, the Ligue 1 club have changed their stance and would now like to retain the services of the former Atlético Madrid defender. The newly-promoted Premier League club viewed Meunier as an experienced option who could help them in the battle to stay in the English top flight, but he now looks set to remain in Northern France.
#### Sunderland focused on other defensive targets
Despite their failure to sign the 33-year-old, the Black Cats are still focused on bolstering their defensive options before the end of the summer transfer window. West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd (29) is viewed as a priority target for the Wearside outfit, and they could potentially make their interest active in the coming days.
[GFFN](http://getfootballnewsfrance.com) | Liam Wraith