Wylan Cyprien has been one of the star’s of the Ligue 1 season; it’s no surprise Sunderland and Newcastle United are so keen.
If the Black Cats finally run out of lives come May, Sunderland’s hopes of pulling off one hell of a coup and swooping for breakout Ligue 1 superstar-to-be Wylan Cyprien will be, let’s say, rather unlikely.
Mediaset claim David Moyes’ side are preparing an ambitious summer move for the 22-year-old – though, as expected, their top flight status could make or break the deal. Relegation would kill their chances stone dead.
And could North East Newcastle United rub salt into the wounds? They certainly should if the chance presents itself. The Championship league leaders could well take Sunderland’s Premier League place and they could do worse than to nab their top summer target from under their noses too.
Rafael Benitez’s desire for a new creative midfielder in January was left unfulfilled after owner Mike Ashley reintroduced his controversial sign-low, sell-high transfer policy but the addition of Cyprien would surely appease both camps.
The youngster’s six goals and three assists from central midfield has helped unfancied Nice turn a hitherto foregone title race into a genuine three-horse race this season while his sumptuous free-kick in December’s 2-2 draw with PSG was one of the goals of the season across The Channel.
Newcastle have lacked goals from deeper areas this season and Cyprien would surely outscore Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Mo Diame and co with ease.
Furthermore, at just 22, Ashley’s eyes would light up. One word; ‘re-sale value’. If Cyprien fulfils his potential, his price tag could rocket to north of £20 million sooner rather than later.
By which time he could already have eased Newcastle’s transition back into the big leagues via a sequence of thrillingly dynamic midfield displays.
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