French midfielder Clement Chantome has struck a deal to remain in France, even though the Frenchman held talks with two Premier League sides.
Sunderland had been and watched the talented midfielder on many occasions during the latter half of the season, and they were keen on signing him with his contract due to expire at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.
The 28-year-old came through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain and went on to make 168 appearances for the Parisians, but after just one season with Bordeaux, he is on the verge of signing a deal to move to Rennes.
Midfielder rejects Premier League move
Chantome had been in advanced talks with two Premier League sides, and those two clubs were also joined by newly-promoted side Middlesbrough and Everton.
He has made just the one appearance for his country, and Rennes are close to agreeing terms with the midfielder to take him to Roazhon Park on a three-year deal.
New Rennes boss Christian Gourcuff said: “Clement Chantome has passed his medical and it should be confirmed today.”
This is a big blow for the Black Cats, who have been looking for recruits to bolster their squad so that they don’t face another relegation battle next season.
Allardyce looking for midfielder
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has been looking at bringing a box-to-box midfielder to the Stadium of Light, while also looking to sign Yann M’Vila permanently after he spent last season on loan on Wearside.
The Black Cats will need to bring a midfielder in this summer after Ola Toivonen didn’t have the greatest of times last season during his loan spell.
And there are question marks over the future of Sweden international Seb Larsson, who has been in France for his country playing at the European Championship.
Sweden crashed out of the tournament having not won a game, with their only point coming against the Republic of Ireland in the opening game of the group stage.