Sunderland are working hard to strengthen their squad before the end of the summer transfer window
Régis Le Bris has dropped his strongest hint yet that Sunderland will look to directly replace Eliezer Mayenda in the transfer window.
Mayenda joined Stade Rennais in a £22 million deal earlier this summer, having told the Black Cats he was keen to move in search of more regular playing opportunities. The Black Cats did not want to stand in the youngster's way, negotiating a fee that very positively impacted their SCR position moving forward.
So far, Sunderland have only added Thomas Meunier to their squad but are known to be active in pursuing a left back and a right winger as key priorities. Beyond that, the club could yet recruit more defensive strength and Le Bris has suggested that a forward in Mayenda's ilk is on the agenda.
The Sunderland head coach said last season that having 'two-and-a-half strikers' in the squad, with Mayenda seen as a more versatile player capable of playing off the number nine or from the right, was the perfect scenario.
Asked by The Echo whether he saw this as ideally being the case this season or whether he was happy with Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor as his striking options, Le Bris replied: "The answer is in your question."
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone.Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
Though there has been significant interest in Isidor this summer from a number of clubs, Le Bris confirmed after the 2-0 win over RC Lens earlier this month that the player would be staying on Wearside past the end of the transfer window and was happy with his role in the squad.
Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris issues blunt response to pessimistic Sunderland season predictions that fans will love