Sunderland transfer latest: Interest in free agent cools thanks ro Dutch star's form

The 27-year-old is out of contract after leaving Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais and is available on a free transfer.

He has been linked with Sam Allardyce’s side, along with the likes of Newcastle, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, French outfit Saint-Etienne and Bundesliga side Hamburg.

But Allardyce’s need for a left-back has cooled due to Patrick van Aanholt’s fine form last season, which saw the Dutchman sign a new contract earlier this month.

Allardyce is in the market for a full-back, but it is more a right-sided defender he wants with Sunderland looking to bring DeAndre Yedlin back to the Stadium of Light after his loan spell last season.

That hasn’t stopped them being linked with M’Bengue, who is a man in demand given he won’t cost a transfer fee this summer.

And he says he would welcome a move to Wearside.

“It’s a club that interests me,” said M’Bengue. “All interest me.”

The defender’s agent has already opened talks with Hamburg, but the French-born star says he is in no rush to make a decision, though he wants his future sorted next month.

M’Bengue said: “It is true that I have a little attraction to the English league and the German championship.

“But there is also the reality of the market, supply and demand.

“I’m not focused on these championships. If I have something that fits me where the offer is interesting, why not...I am open to many things.

“Many clubs have approached me. Saint-Etienne asked me.

There is also Sunderland, clubs in Turkey, Newcastle. I will leave it a little time but not too much.”