LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of Sunderland reacts during the on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Sunderland are set to shore up their defensive line this summer and have identified a former player currently plying his trade in the National League, according to the latest reports.
The Black Cats have finally appointed a new manager to the dugout at the Stadium of Light to become Michael Beale’s permanent successor more than four months after his departure. French coach Regis Le Bris is set to take the reins after two seasons in Ligue 1 with Lorient.
Now, work can begin to strengthen the first-team squad after what was quite a disastrous campaign. The Wearside outfit finished in 16th place, seven points above the relegation zone and 17 behind the play-offs despite making the top six twelve months prior when Tony Mowbray was at the helm.
The only signing made by the club since the transfer window opened two weeks ago is Simon Moore. The goalkeeper had recently left Coventry City after his contract with the Sky Blues expired but has now penned a deal with Sunderland, keeping him at the club until 2026 with the option to extend his stay by a further year.
One area that the new manager may be looking to bolster over the summer is at the back. According to a report from Graeme Bailey in HITC, Sunderland are showing an interest in Gateshead defender Kenton Richardson who was once on the books at the Stadium of Light from 2020 to 2022, although he made merely three appearances for the Black Cats, none of which were in the league. Furthermore, he is the grandson of former West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea and Hartlepool United centre-forward Fred Richardson.
During his time with the club, he spent time out on loan, firstly at Notts County where he hardly played and later at non-league side Spennymoor Town. Nevertheless, upon leaving Sunderland, the right-back stayed in the Northeast, signing for Gateshead and has had a successful spell with the Tynesiders, but now looks set for a return to the EFL.
