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Sunderland made multiple attempts to sign FC Lorient star Mohamed Bamba in the last window.

That’s according to Ouest-France, who state the Ligue 1 side didn’t allow the Black Cats to secure the striker’s services.

Régis Le Bris arrived at Sunderland, after spending two seasons at Lorient. In his last transfer window at the French club in January, the manager signed the 22-year-old from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC.

The Ivorian impressed under Le Bris’ orders at Lorient, managing eight goals and three assists from 16 games. The coach was keen on bringing him to Sunderland in the recently concluded window. The player has ‘expressed his desire’ to leave.

Le Bris would have convinced the Black Cats, who, according to the report, made ‘multiple offers’ to sign Bamba. It’s claimed the Championship side’s last bid was around €11m.

However, the deal didn’t take shape because Lorient have rejected multiple bids tabled by the English club. Ouest-France points out the window is open in a few other leagues, and this suggests the frontman could still leave him his current employer.

If Bamba were to stay at Lorient, Le Bris’ side may return for him in January.