Sunderland news: Chris Mepham update as Man Utd target teenage star Jobe Bellingham
Chris Mepham has featured regularly for Sunderland this season in their bid to secure promotion from the Championship.
The Welsh international joined the Black Cats on loan from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth at the start of the 2024/25 league campaign.
Since then, he has gone on to make 30 appearances for Sunderland as they contend with a battle for promotion, which has taken a hit as of late.
Regis Le Bris’ side were stunned by Coventry City in their last league game, suffering a 3-0 defeat after a Haji Wright hat-trick for the Sky Blues.
Le Bris remains coy about Mepham's future
Currently sitting in fourth place in the league table and poised to secure at least a playoff spot, the Frenchman discussed the possibility of Mepham staying with Sunderland beyond this season.
The 27-year-old's loan deal will expire in the summer, coinciding with the end of his contract with the Cherries.
However, Bournemouth do hold the option to extend his contract by one additional year.
Speaking to the media recently, Le Bris gave his thoughts on the matter.
“He is a big part of the team,” he told the Sunderland Echo.
“Like Browney [Alan Browne], he is very important in the squad.
“It's too early to define what will happen next season,” Le Bris added when asked about Mepham’s future beyond the summer.
“The group is in a really good place, we will see at the end of the season.
“Sometimes you would like to keep the same, and if you keep the same next season, it could be worse or it could be even better.
“We don't know, it's too early.”
Black Cats prepare for Manchester United Jobe Bellingham raid
Elsewhere at the club, reports of Manchester United showing interest in Sunderland’s star midfielder Jobe Bellingham have resurfaced.
The Red Devils will have to generate funds in the summer to help finance their squad rebuild, with an extensive clearout expected.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Bellingham is at the top of their shopping list, with several other Premier League clubs interested - Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
It is believed that the 19-year-old would look to secure a move to the top flight should Sunderland fail to secure promotion this season.
The England U21 international left his boyhood club, Birmingham City, for the North East back in 2023.
He has gone on to make 81 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions, chipping in with 11 goals and four assists.
But could the Stourbridge-born midfielder swap Tyne and Wear for Lancashire next season?
His future almost certainly relies on the fortunes of the Black Cats this season.
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