Report: Sunderland on the verge of signing key transfer target as player skips team training…

Sunderland edges closer to securing top transfer target while player is absent from team practice.

Sunderland appears to be nearing the signing of their top transfer target Alexandre Mendy.

The striker was noticeably missing from SM Caen’s team training earlier this week while other senior players resumed their pre-season preparations.

The Black Cats have been keen on acquiring Mendy from Ligue 2 club Caen this summer, especially after Regis Le Bris took over as head coach.

Although Mendy reportedly underwent a medical examination at the Stadium of Light last week, there has been no official announcement regarding his arrival as of now.

Caen’s squad resumed training on Tuesday, but Mendy was not present, according to French news outlet actu.fr.

The 30-year-old’s reason for missing the session at the club’s Venoix annexe training facility remains unknown.

Mendy is said to be keen on joining Sunderland, turning down offers from other clubs. Foot Mercato previously reported that Mendy had received offers from Al-Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Sampdoria in Italy, and Al-Ahly in Egypt.

However, the Guinea-Bissau international opted for a move to the North East Championship side.

Another reason for the delay in Mendy’s reported transfer to Wearside is linked to Kylian Mbappé’s family acquiring Caen for an estimated £1.7 million.

Journalist Josué Cassé’s reports suggested that Mbappé and his associates are eager to persuade Mendy to remain at the Ligue 2 club for the upcoming season.

Mendy made a move to Caen in 2020 from Bordeaux without any transfer fee involved.

During his time at the second-tier French club, the striker played in 142 matches, scoring 65 goals and providing 11 assists.