The popular Sunderland striker now looks increasingly likely to depart the club this summer

Stade Rennais are emerging as the clear frontrunners to sign Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda.

Interest in Mayenda has been growing this summer since it became clear that the Black Cats were prepared to sanction his departure, with the player himself keen to pursue a new opportunity. As first reported by Foot Mercato on Thursday afternoon, it is the ambitious Ligue 1 club who are now in advanced talks to conclude a permanent deal.

If concluded, the deal looks set to bank Sunderland a huge profit on the initial €1 million they paid Sochaux to sign the striker three years ago - though it's understood that the French club retain a significant sell-on clause. A deal is expected to be worth in the region of £22 million to Sunderland including potential add-ons, which would significantly bolster Sunderland's SCR position heading into the summer transfer window and beyond.

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While the club retain huge faith in Mayenda's ability and potential, they recognise his desire to play more regularly having spent much of last season as third-choice striker at the club. Mayenda's prospects of being a regular starter are not seen as likely to change on Wearside in the near future, with Brian Brobbey bolstering his growing reputation with some stellar performances for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

A deal is not yet finalised and with interest from a number of clubs, the picture could yet change. However, it is now clear that Mayenda is likely to depart this summer on a permanent basis. If Mayenda does join Stade Rennais, then he will get the chance to say a Stadium of Light farewell when the two meet in a pre-season friendly on August 15th. Having both qualified for the Europa League group stages, the pair could also meet in competitive football next season.

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