Le Havre manager Didier Digard is hopeful of Sunderland defender Timothée Pembélé arriving in the winter market.
Foot Normand, an outlet local to the Ligue 1 side, have relayed his comments.
The 23-year-old moved to Sunderland from Paris Saint-Germain in September 2023 and struggled for regular minutes in his debut season.
Sunderland sent him on loan to Le Havre last season, and Pembélé played 21 matches for them. Digard utilised him across the back and also as a right wing-back.
His situation has become worse as Régis Le Bris has left the Frenchman out of his plans this season. The defender hasn’t made an appearance for the Premier League side and has settled for one match with Sunderland U21s.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed at Le Havre and especially by their manager. Digard expresses his desire to try and bring the player back to the club in January. The French club’s boss is aware it won’t be easy, more so with Sunderland returning to the Premier League.
“He was a huge asset to us in the second half of the season because he managed to fill many positions and, above all, he brought a lot of energy and a positive attitude,” he said.
“Now, is it a feasible operation for us right now? We know that the Premier League is very complicated financially. I hope we can find a solution.”
A move away from Sunderland, either on loan or a permanent transfer, would benefit Pembélé. The Black Cats will have the final say on where he’ll play in the second half of this season.
