Sunderland have joined the race to sign highly-rated Lorient midfielder Didier Ndong, according to "?TalkSPORT, after the Gabonese international caught the eye of many European clubs this season after helping solidify Lorient's midfield.
Monaco appear to be leading the race for his signature, but Serie A team Torino have already offered £3.5m, whilst Spartak Moscow have also highlighted their interest in Ndong, and are willing to double Torino's offer to secure the Gabonese in their midfield next season.
Report: Sunderland eye Lorient midfielder Didier Ndong #safc #sunderlandafc #didierndong https://t.co/NhFxLumwBg pic.twitter.com/wW5TgnhKOL
But Sunderland are also keeping tabs on Ndong, who chipped in with two goals in 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, and the prospect of playing English football might be too tempting, especially in the Premier League.
Sunderland will be hoping to have a stronger season next time out, after flirting with relegation yet again. If they can develop a more threatening midfield, they will hope to utilise Jermaine Defoe's potency even further.
With the forward scoring the goals on a consistent basis, Sam Allardyce will be more than aware that whilst Defoe in is good form, a more efficient Sunderland midfield could be the key to climbing the table.
Defoe had the highest conversion rate in the whole of the Premier League last season and will be hoping for greater opportunities next season.
Didier Ndong provides a potential outlet for initiating counter-attacks, given his high rate of tackles and interceptions per game, and the further addition of a more attacking midfielder could be the way forward for the Black Cats.