Sunderland want to continue spending spree for Champions League star with talks ongoing
Sunderland are wasting no time this summer
Big-spending Sunderland are reportedly in talks to sign OGC Nice left-back Melvin Bard, according to reports in France.
Bard, 24, is another potential French recruit and Sunderland have had a strong focus on the French market so far.
Habib Diarra has already arrived from RC Strasbourg and others have emerged as targets.
The newly promoted Premier League side are also in talks with Nice’s Bard. An offer for a four-year contract, including the option for a fifth year, has already been submitted to the Frenchman. For now, there is no
agreement.RMC report that there are two other Premier League clubs interested in the defender. Nice, who will participate in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers later this summer, would like to retain Bard, however, that will depend on the offers submitted.Sunderland’s summer rebuild continues to take shape, with the newly promoted Premier League side pushing ahead on two significant defensive targets.
While talks are ongoing with Bard, a £21.5million deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is understood to be close.
The 25-year-old Serbia international impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg last season and is keen to secure regular top-flight football after limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Petrovic was omitted from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad earlier this year, with a summer exit planned. He will now compete with Anthony Patterson for the No 1 spot at the Stadium of Light, adding top-level experience and shot-stopping pedigree to the goalkeeping department. contract.
OGC Nice shot-stopper Marcin Bulka, who had been under consideration as he entered the final year of his contract in France, has instead agreed a long-term deal with Saudi Pro League side Neom following a late approach. The 25-year-old has completed a medical and is now set to link up with the ambitious Saudi outfit.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland are on the verge of finalising a deal for Noah Sadiki, with the 20-year-old expected to sign a five-year contract.
The Black Cats will pay £15million up front, with £2.5million in add-ons potentially due. Sadiki, a DR Congo international, impressed for Union Saint-Gilloise last season and offers versatility, having featured as both a central midfielder and right back.
