ALEXANDRE Mendy remains "determined" to join Sunderland ahead of next week's transfer deadline, with the striker's agent hopeful a deal can be struck despite the frustrating summer hold-up.
Mendy is a leading target for the Black Cats and the Caen striker has repeatedly told of his wish to move to the Stadium of Light.
Talks have been ongoing throughout the summer but Sunderland haven't yet been able to engineer a deal for the 30-year-old, with Caen's summer takeover complicating negotiations.
Interconnected Ventures, founded by Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, acquired the majority shares of Caen earlier this season, with the club's new owners having taken charge hopeful of convincing Mendy to stay.
But they look to have failed in that quest, with a representative of the striker telling the media in France that Mendy is still desperate to join Sunderland.
Mendy wasn't involved as Caen started their season with a 2-0 home defeat to Paris FC at the weekend.
“Currently, Alex is training separately, contrary to what the press wanted to show," said the player's agent.
"He is irreproachable in his work and in his investment.”
The agent added: “Alex is still determined to join Sunderland, there are about 10 days left, we will not give up, our determination is intact. We remain positive and we are counting on the new management to unblock this situation.”
READ MORE:
- What Sheffield Wednesday boss said after making beeline for Sunderland's Jack Clarke
- Sunderland forward reaping rewards of summer 'choices' after 'recognising problem'
The latest development comes with reports claiming Caen are themselves close to strengthening their forward line with the signing of their former striker M’Baye Niang.
The 29-year-old came through the ranks at Caen before leaving for AC Milan in 2012 and has played for a string of clubs, including Watford, since. He's a free agent having left Empoli in the summer and set tongues wagging when he was spotted in the stands for Caen's Ligue 2 opener at the weekend, with suggestions he'll be signed as Mendy's replacement.
Sunderland remain in the market for a striker ahead of the August 30 deadline despite Eliezer Mayenda's impressive brace in the 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Mayenda will again lead the line when leaders Burnley visit the Stadium of Light this weekend, but Sunderland remain hopeful they can bolster their attack in the next 10 days.
Fellow striker Hemir, who could leave on loan this month, led the line for Sunderland's Under-21s in their Premier League 2 Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United on Monday, with Timur Tutierov coming off the bench to grab a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with the Magpies.
Anthony Munda scored the opener for Newcastle, who had Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett in their starting line-up.
Summer signing Ian Poveda played 45 minutes for Sunderland.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here