Crystal Palace and Sunderland are reportedly keen on Lille’s Soualiho Meite.
Sunderland manager David Moyes shakes hands with Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace and Sunderland are both interested in Lille-owned midfielder Soualiho Meite, who is currently on loan with Zulte Waregem.
Meite, 23, joined Auxerre from Vincennes in 2007, and his impressive performances earned him a 2013 switch to Lille – though his first-team opportunities have been somewhat limited.
After just 30 league appearances, Meite was sent out on loan in 2016, joining Belgian side Zulte Waregem in a deal that has been the making of the midfielder.
A former France Under-20 international, Meite has notched two goals and one assist this season, but has impressed in the defensive side of the game.
Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy
Tall, powerful and good on the ball, Meite is the ideal defensive midfield player, and his performances in Belgium appear to be triggering major interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mail report that Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is keen to land Meite this summer, with the Eagles allegedly keeping tabs on his progress in Belgium.
Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye
Palace are believed to have concerns over Yohan Cabaye’s future with the club, and despite landing Luka Milivojevic from Olympiakos in January, Allardyce may be lining up Meite as another midfield target.
It’s added that Allardyce’s former club Sunderland are also interested in signing Meite, though their impending relegation to the Championship would surely rule them out of the race for his signature.
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