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Valentine Roberge is a late-transfer window target for Ligue 1 side Reims according to a report in L'Equipe.
The Frenchman was a surprise inclusion in the Sunderland side that started the season at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day, though that was simply due to Santiago Vergini's unavailability and a renaissance never really looked likely. It looked even less likely following his performance.
There is no word on the price, if any, that Reims are willing to pay, but considering Roberge arrived on a free transfer and the club are actively looking to shift him, you'd not expect that to be a problem.
It would leave Sunderland fairly precariously stocked at the back, however, in terms of numbers at least. Mobido Diakite is also close to leaving, possibly agreeing a mutual termination of his contract, so that would leave just Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Vergini as central defensive options.
Celtic's Virgil van Dijk and Atletico Madrid's Toby Alderweireld have been linked as possible replacements, and it's reassuring to know this is the level being looked at. Sunderland fundamentally need a serious injection of quality in the centre of defence. It has been needed for years, in fact. There are just no legs in there.
Interesting times as the transfer deadline approaches, then. Though, it always looked like it would be.
