Mepham spent the season on loan at Sunderland, where he made 37 appearances during the regular Championship season and appeared as a substitute in both the play-off semi-finals and final.
However, his loan deal from Bournemouth did not include a clause for an automatic permanent move, thus he returned to his parent club at the end of the season.
SUNDERLAND are open to signing Chris Mepham on a permanent basis, but the former loanee is just one of several central-defensive possibilities under consideration.
Mepham’s current deal at the Vitality Stadium is set to expire at the end of next month, but Bournemouth can extend it for another 12 months. They are anticipated to exercise that option, then aim to sell the 27-year-old to recuperate the £12 million they paid to recruit him from Brentford.
Sheffield United are said to be interested in acquiring the centre-back, and while this would entail Mepham returning to the Championship, he would have a good chance of becoming a regular starter at Bramall Lane.
Re-signing with Sunderland provides the possibility for Premier League play, although Mepham will almost probably face a tough battle for regular minutes on Wearside. As a Wales international, Mepham does not want to lose his spot in the national team due to extended periods of inactivity.
The Sunderland hierarchy was impressed by Mepham’s on-field efforts last season, and the defender also played a key role off the pitch, with Regis Le Bris regularly applauding his leadership abilities.
However, winning promotion allows the Black Cats to shop in a new market, and while centre-half is a key position this summer, a variety of options, both domestic and international, are now being considered.
If it is determined that alternative targets have a higher potential ceiling than Mepham, both in terms of playing ability and possible sell-on value, the club will pursue them instead of its former loanee. The same goes for Salis Abdul Samed, who returned to Lens at the completion of his loan period.
“We’re looking at all the players, although I’ve been consistent in saying I won’t talk about individuals, especially from other clubs,” said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
“What we’re looking at is what the problem is [at Premier League level], and how do we solve that problem. I think that’s the easiest way of describing it.
“Obviously, all the players who have been part of our journey this year are in the mix for that conversation. It’s about us trying to make sure we can get the right balance [for what we need in the Premier League].”
Talks over Jobe Bellingham remain ongoing, with the England Under-21 international on the verge of joining Borussia Dortmund if the German club can come up with an acceptable offer.
