Sam Allardyce is keen on bringing Mathieu Debuchy to the Stadium of Light as the Arsenal man stalls on a move to Aston Villa.

The Black Cats boss was allegedly in London on Monday in order to try and strike a deal with the player he sees as being an upgrade as they try and avoid the drop.

Arsenal are said to want to get rid of Debuchy on a permanent basis but the Frenchman is simply eyeing a loan deal that would allow him to get some playing time under his belt ahead of the Euros this summer, when he will then assess his situation.

It’s very clear that his short spell at Arsenal is over and, through no fault of his own, has been a total disaster.

These things happen, I guess, but how Arsenal approach the business end of the season with only one recognised right back (and Calum Chambers/Francis Coquelin) is of far greater importance to us than someone who no longer wants to remain at the club and fight for his place.

Where he will end up, though, is still a little bit of a mystery at the moment.

Sunderland are currently 19th, six points above Villa who are rooted to the foot of the table.