Sunderland could offer up to €15m to sign Lille defender Djibril Sidibe, but face competition from Monaco, who are in talks to buy the Frenchman.
The Black Cats are keen on Sidibe and want to take him to the Stadium of Light this summer, but they have appeared to be a step behind Monaco in the race for his services.
However, according to France Football, while Monaco are talking to Lille about signing the versatile full-back, Sunderland are considering offering €15m in an effort to barge to the front of the queue.
If the Premier League club do flash the cash, it is not clear whether Monaco will match the bid.
Sidibe was called onto the standby list for Euro 2016 by France coach Didier Deschamps and has enhanced his reputation over the last 12 months with a series of solid displays for Lille.
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The 23-year-old played in 37 of Lille's 38 Ligue 1 games last season, even chipping in with four goals and providing his team-mates with three assists.
Lille have Sidibe locked down on a contract until the summer of 2019.
He joined the club from Troyes in 2012.
