Didier Ndong looks as though he could leave Sunderland in January and West Ham – a reported previous suitor – would be well placed to make a move.
Sunderland’s hopes of registering a result at Middlesbrough on Sunday were dealt a major blow when Didier Ndong went off injured after a bright display.
And the Black Cats’ chances of Championship survival would also be hit if Ndong were to depart the Stadium of Light permanently in January.
The Northern Echo reported last month that the midfielder could indeed leave Sunderland in the coming transfer window, along with Lamine Kone and Jack Rodwell, in order to lower the club’s debt level.
But such a move might well have moved a step closer this week with David Moyes’ return to management confirmed at West Ham United.
The Hammers looked at Ndong in the summer as an alternative to William Carvalho – according to the Independent – and ended up signing neither player, with their midfield continuing to look a little lightweight.
It would have made sense for West Ham to return for Ndong again now regardless, given Sunderland’s perilous position at the bottom of the second tier, but Moyes could also have an influence.
The former Black Cats boss was in charge on Wearside when Ndong arrived and he kept faith in the Gabon international through a tricky first few months in English football.
Ndong belatedly adjusted to the Premier League and delivered some impressive performances that led to West Ham’s initial interest.
If the Hammers make a second approach for the 23-year-old, the presence of a manager the player knows well could be crucial to getting a deal done.
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