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THE BLACK CATS COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REIMS' RELEGATION WITH A BID FOR CEDRIC KIPRE SAM ALLEN Football writer 12:55, 02 Jun 2025 Sunderland are looking to bolster their defensive

options ahead of their Premier League return, with the latest reports linking them with a move for centre-back Cedric Kipre. The 28-year-old Ivorian is currently contracted to Reims.

Following relegation from Ligue 1, Reims are likely to have to offload their top players this summer, and Kipre would be one of them. A report from AfricaFoot suggested that Sunderland are

interested in bringing the defender back to the UK after spells at West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, and Wigan Athletic. He signed for Reims last summer on a free transfer, having rejected

new terms at West Brom following an impressive campaign on a personal level, where he was voted the Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Season for the 23/24 campaign. He has plenty of

experience in English football, starting with a period at Leicester City during the time they won the Premier League, but he has never made a Premier League appearance. He made 34

appearances this term for Reims in France’s top flight, helping them reach the Coupe de France final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain, while also suffering relegation to the second

division following a relegation play-off defeat to Metz. Kipre is under contract at Reims until the summer of 2027, but his employers may have to cash in now to help them cope with the

financial restraints placed on them following relegation. If reports of the Black Cats' interest are true, the player is unlikely to turn down the chance to play in the Premier League.

Defensive reinforcement will be a key aspect of the club’s recruitment drive this summer in preparation for the increased challenge ahead. Article continues below Promotion for Sunderland to

the top league in England this summer has also brought about interest in their players, many of whom are young and have plenty of potential to grow into top-level talent. Skipper Dan Neil

and Jobe Bellingham have already been strongly linked with big moves away this summer following the increased attention that the team’s success this term has brought. Neil has been subject

to interest from Serie A giants AS Roma, while Bellingham could potentially follow the path his older brother, Jude, took. Some of the top clubs in Germany are said to be interested. Either

way, the club knows they need to get their recruitment spot on this summer to compete in the Premier League. The last two seasons have seen all three promoted sides head straight back down,

evidence of a widening gap between the top two divisions in England. Keeping hold of the top talent currently in the building will be the first priority in giving head coach Regis Le Bris

the best chance next term, but the fresh faces they add will also determine how they are able to perform at a higher level. Article continues below _Make sure you don't miss out on the

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