Sunderland are interested in bringing Papy Djilobodji to Wearside in January, according to the Daily Mail.

Djilobodji only joined Chelsea in the summer, with the Black Cats linked with him by the Mirror but losing out to the reigning Premier League champions. 

However, he has failed to make an impression at Stamford Bridge, despite the Blues struggling and looking in need of a good shake up.

Now, reports have emerged that Sunderland could make a move for the defender in the New Year as they themselves look to build on a poor start to the season by improving their back line - the worst in the division.

Stamford Bridge nightmare

Though the move to Chelsea may have seemed like a dream one for Djilobodji when it materialised in the summer, it has turned into a complete nightmare for the former Nantes man.

Left out of the club's Champions League squad and with just one appearance to his name so far, that coming in the League Cup against League One side Walsall, it would not be a huge surprise for the 26-year-old to be looking for an exit door.

Struggling for opportunities and game time, he has been outcast by Jose Mourinho and Sunderland could offer him the way out he is likely to desire.

Sunderland looking to tighten up leaky defence

Furthermore, Djilobodji would bring real quality to Wearside and certainly help them fix a back line which has conceded 26 goals in just 12 league games this season.

Summer arrivals Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates have failed to convince in the centre of defence, and so it is little surprise that reports suggest that the Senegalese international is being targeted by Sam Allardyce to partner captain John O'Shea.

Allardyce is reportedly going to be given £20 million to spend in the New Year to bolster his options at the back, and it is unlikely that Djilobodji would use up a large amount of those funds either.

He arrived in London for a fee of just £2.7 million earlier this year and, with Chelsea likely to want him to move on, Sunderland could secure his services for very cheap.

However, the Mail have also reported that the deal could initially be a loan, with view to a permanent, whilst Turkish side Besiktas are also interested in the player.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]