Sunderland set to beat Sheffield United to AFC Bournemouth swoop | OneFootball

Chris Mepham looks set to head to the Stadium of Light for the season, despite interest from the Blades.

Sunderland are set to sign AFC Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham on loan.

According to Mark McAdam, the Cherries' player is set to secure a switch to the Stadium of Light, but the Black Cats weren't the only team who were interested in getting a deal over the line.

Sheffield United were also believed to be in the mix for the centre-back, with the Blades eyeing a replacement for Auston Trusty.

They have already signed Harry Souttar during this window, with the Australia international making a loan move from Leicester City, but they were also keen to secure Mepham's signature.

With Trusty set for a move away from Bramall Lane and Anel Ahmedhodzic being linked with a return to the Premier League recently, it's crucial that Chris Wilder's side have enough depth in central defence and have some targets lined up to replace those that leave between now and the end of the window.

Alan Nixon, who has now reported Regis Le Bris' side's interest, revealed this morning that United were pushing to get a deal over the line and had the funds to get a deal over the line, with the Blades likely to be able to afford the fee and salary needed to take him to South Yorkshire.

The same journalist also reported that the player was willing to take the step down to the Championship - and that looked to be a major boost for United in their quest to sign the Welshman.

Having enjoyed an excellent transfer window up to this point, it wouldn't have been a surprise if the Blades had managed to secure Mepham's signature, but he doesn't look set to link up with Wilder now, with a league rival set to snatch him.

The Black Cats, who have recently sold Jack Clarke, are in need of some shrewd additions to replace him.

Not only do they require firepower in the final third to replace his output, but they may also need to be tighter at the back, with Clarke's contributions unable to compensate for a potential leaky defence in the future.

And they have made a breakthrough in their quest to sign one of their targets, with Mepham set to join the club on a loan deal.

This is according to journalist McAdam, who believes there is no option or obligation to buy the player within this agreement.

Chris Mepham could be a good addition for Sunderland

The Black Cats already have some decent options.

The likes of Aji Alese, Dan Ballard and Luke O'Nien are good options to have at this level.

But strength in depth can make a real difference and Mepham would be another excellent centre-back to have.

He already knows what it takes to win promotion - and his experience should be extremely valuable.

This looks to be a cheap loan deal too - and it could end up benefitting both the Black Cats and the player.