Sunderland are targeting another statement signing this summer as they prepare for Europa League football for the first time in their recent history.
The Black Cats made waves last summer by signing the likes of Granit Xhaka, a level of ambition rarely seen from a newly-promoted club.
With European competition now secured, Sunderland appear determined to back manager Regis Le Bris with further significant investment in the transfer window.
According to 225 Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made contact to sign Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulai.
The 20-year-old is currently featuring at the World Cup, playing a key role at the heart of the Ivory Coast midfield and catching the attention of clubs across Europe.
Sunderland have already completed an extensive scouting mission on Inao Oulai and have approached his agent to register their interest in securing a deal.
However, the Black Cats will face stiff competition for his signature, with both Fulham and Brentford also reported to have made contact with the player’s representatives.
The three-way pursuit from Premier League clubs could spark a significant bidding war for the Trabzonspor star in the coming weeks.
Scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed the young midfielder “unbelievable,” and his statistics from last season help illustrate exactly why such strong interest has developed.
Despite playing fewer minutes than Xhaka last season, Inao Oulai registered two goals compared to Xhaka’s one, and recorded 49 tackles to Xhaka’s 50, showing a remarkably similar output.
The youngster also posted 124 recoveries and a duel success rate of 55.5%, numbers which closely mirror those produced by the experienced Swiss international across a longer run of minutes.
Sunderland are also said to be pursuing Arne Engels, the £25m Celtic midfielder who looks set to leave the Scottish champions this summer.
The focus on midfield reinforcement suggests Le Bris and the club’s hierarchy are clear about the areas they want to strengthen ahead of their European campaign.
If Sunderland can secure both Engels and Inao Oulai, they would add considerable depth and quality to a department already featuring the influential Xhaka.