Sunderland push to land Karl Etta Eyong as Regis Le Bris seeks attacking boost

Sunderland have made Karl Etta Eyong their leading target for strengthening the attack, with manager Regis Le Bris particularly keen on bringing the 22-year-old Cameroon striker to the Stadium of Light.

The French manager has been impressed by Etta Eyong’s qualities and believes the forward could add greater energy and threat to Sunderland’s frontline. The club are now working to turn their interest into a deal, although negotiations with Levante UD are expected to be more difficult.

Initial indications from the player’s side are positive. Sunderland believe an agreement with Etta Eyong could be reached, suggesting that discussions over personal terms may prove manageable. The main obstacle is likely to be persuading Levante UD to part with a player they are not expected to release easily.

According to The Sun, Etta Eyong has a £26m release clause in his contract with the Spanish club. That figure is worth approximately €30m and represents a significant potential outlay for Sunderland.

The Black Cats do not want to pay the full value of the clause if it can be avoided. Instead, the club’s directors hope to open negotiations with Levante UD and agree a lower transfer fee. Their intention is to reach a compromise that would allow Etta Eyong to move to the Stadium of Light without formally activating the release clause.

Sunderland’s pursuit could therefore develop quickly. Le Bris is understood to be pushing for the striker’s arrival, while the club continues to assess how best to convince Levante UD to lower its demands. If an agreement can be reached between the two clubs, Etta Eyong would become one of Sunderland’s most significant attacking additions.

The forward’s profile has made a strong impression on Le Bris, who wants to add further options and dynamism to his attack. Sunderland’s interest is therefore centred on both the player’s ability and the possibility of securing a deal below the substantial figure included in his contract.

The timing of the negotiations comes as Sunderland prepare for their third match of the English championship season. They will face Brentford in their next fixture, with the club’s attention divided between preparations for that game and efforts to advance the transfer talks for Etta Eyong.

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