Sunderland are reportedly closing in on appointing Regis Le Bris as their next manager.
Sunderland look set to end a four-month search for a new manager with the appointment of Lorient boss Regis Le Bris.
The 48-year-old Frenchman was in charge of Lorient for two seasons, with the last season ending in relegation from the French top flight.
Le Bris is now expected to leave the club imminently and replace Michael Beale at the Stadium of Light following his sacking in February.
The summer transfer window is already open and so sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will want to work quickly and closely with Le Bris to get some new signings over the line.
Simon Moore has already joined, becoming the Black Cats’ first signing of the summer, though last season’s downfall highlighted a need for more quality and experience across the pitch.
Journalist Michael Graham says that Sunderland are set to target more experienced players this summer.
And Le Bris’ arrival could also hint towards Sunderland scouring the French leagues once again.
Sunderland tipped to scour French markets under Regis Le Bris
Speaking on BBC Sounds, French football expert Andy Scott discussed Le Bris to Sunderland, highlighting Le Bris’ knowledge of current French players.
Scott said: “Regis Le Bris of course has his eye on the ball when it comes to the French market.
“He will be able to perhaps pinpoint some exciting younger players. Whether they’re coming from Lorient, I’m not so sure, but from around the country.
“He will be able to help them through, and a club like Sunderland is always going to be looking for talented younger players who they can develop, enjoy success with, and sell them at a profit.”
Sunderland under Speakman have signed several players from French leagues, all boasting mixed results; Adil Aouchiche, Abdoullah Ba, Timothee Pembele, and Eliezer Mayenda to name a handful.
Kristjaan Speakman and Regis Le Bris must work in harmony at Sunderland
There’s a sense from outside the club, that inside of it, Speakman and co run a very stern ship.
The head coach and the recruitment team, whilst not completed disconnected, don’t appear to be as intertwined as they probably should be.
But Le Bris arriving will give Speakman the chance to pick someone’s brain about talented French footballers; of which, Le Bris should know many after two seasons of managing in the country.
Speakman has had mixed results shopping in France so far. But Le Bris could easily recommend a handful of players for Sunderland to go out and sign this summer, with France a market that the Black Cats clearly favour.