Sunderland set for transfer blow with long-term target set for move elsewhere

The young French attacker is set to to move to the Ligue 1 club despite interest from the Black Cats

Matthis Abline is in “advanced talks” to join French side FC Nantes, ending Sunderland’s pursuit of the young forward.

Sunderland currently have a striker problem, with only one recognised and fit striker in their squad.

The club’s interest in Abline may be redundant, but they are looking to sign Fulham striker Jay Stansfield on loan, along with Millwall and QPR.

Sunderland target Matthis Abline is reportedly in “advanced talks” to join French side FC Nantes.

This comes after the young forward was first linked with a move to the Stadium of Light earlier this summer. Le Parisien reported that Sunderland were monitoring his situation, but that the player would prefer a move that kept him in the French top division.

French outlet L’Equipe also reported that Sunderland were not the only Championship club in the North East of England that had interest in the striker. They said that Middlesbrough were also looking at brining in the France under-21 international on loan.

But now it looks like Abline will be staying in his native country. Ouest-France have said that he is in “advanced talks” to join Nantes from Stade