Sunderland could be set to strengthen their midfield ahead of today’s transfer deadline. According to reports, the Black Cats could be set to sign three French central midfielders.
The Black Cats look set to be involved in a busy day with several players leaving and joining the club before the window closes at 11 pm tonight.
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Three French Midfielders Heading to Sunderland Before Transfer Deadline
According to recent reports, three French midfielders are heading to Sunderland on deadline day. L’Equipe and the Sunderland Echo are reporting that FC Lorient midfielder Adil Aouchiche is set to conclude a deal to Wearside today. The 21-year-old former PSG youngster and France youth international has played over 70 games in Ligue 1.
The Black Cats could also be set to lure Edouard Michut back to the Stadium of Light according to L’Equipe. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland making 28 appearances. However, at the end of the season, it was agreed by all parties that it was best to pursue other opportunities. The Frenchman has been frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain which appears to have changed the hearts of both the player and Sunderland.
A third Frenchman could also be close to signing. Fenerbache midfielder Miguel Crespo is believed to be heading to Wearside according to Turkish outlet Fotospor. 26-year-old Crespo made 23 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The deal is believed to be an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent deal.
Tony Mowbray Has Spoken Previously About Adding Strength and Depth to His Midfield
Earlier this summer Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray spoke about his desire to add more options to his midfield. He said: “The midfield area is quite light if you think that there’s Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah, and then Jobe (Bellingham) – after that you are into Chris Rigg, who is a 16-year-old boy.
“I think the reality is that we have to get the front end of the pitch sorted out first but we are mindful that we are a bit light in there.
“If Dan or Pierre were to pick up an injury, it suddenly starts to look really thin in that area of the pitch. We could drop Jobe in there but he is a 17-year-old boy. That seems daft because at some stage if you make a substitution you’ll have a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old playing central midfield in the Championship which is not ideal.
“It’s an area that potentially we might look for a more experienced footballer to help the area out. Dan is 21, Pierre is 21 – it’s not as if they are 26 or 27 and have 300 appearances under their belts.”
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