FC Nantes have rejected Sunderland’s bid for centre-forward Matthis Abline (22), according to a report from Ouest-France.

Sunderland are looking towards the French market as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a return to the Premier League. Habib Diarra is nearing a move to the club, whilst in the forward positions, several targets have been identified. Olympique Lyonnais’ Georges Mikautadze is one of those, as is Abline. The Black Cats even have even gone so far as to submit a bid for the France youth international.

As per MARKET Foot, that bid was worth €20m. Ouest-France now understands that that bid has been rejected. Speaking yesterday, the club’s hierarchy insisted that the club did not need to sell this summer. In order to part ways with Abline, who arrived from local rivals Stade Rennais last summer, they are demanding a more significant fee.

Earlier in the window, owner Waldemar Kita stated that if Olympique de Marseille wanted the player, they’d have to pay €50m. That elevated valuation is linked to Kita’s frustration in past interactions with the club, however, and is not necessarily a guiding price for all clubs who show interest.

Tezz | Sandy