Sunderland are set to re-sign John Mensah on loan according to the player’s club Lyon.
The Ghanaian World Cup star impressed at the Stadium of Light last term and it has been widely reported that manager Steve Bruce is desperate to secure him again, the main detail in question being whether he would sign permanently or repeat his loan spell.
Sunderland are yet to confirm any deal for the player, however Lyon have released a statement saying he will join the Black Cats in a loan deal worth €500,000, adding that a certain amount of games played for Sunderland would then trigger a permanent €5.5 million deal.
"Olympique Lyon can confirm the loan of Ghana international John Mensah to English club Sunderland for an amount of 500,000 euros with an option to purchase," it read.
"This option provides for the permanent transfer of John Mensah to Sunderland for an amount of 5.5million euros (a total of 6million euros) if the players plays in a minimum of 25 games in different competitions during the 2010/11 season or if the club decide to take up the option before April 30, 2011."
However, Sunderland have responded: “A number of reports have been published suggested Mensah has already signed, but officials have revealed the deal has not yet been completed."
The Ghana captain played 18 times for the north-east outfit last term.