An agreement has not yet been reached but talks between the Black Cats and Nice are said to be advancing and progressing well.
Leeds United and Galatasaray have both been linked with the 25-year-old, but an advantage for Sunderland is the fact Bulka has previously worked under incoming director of football Florent Ghisolfi at Nice.
Bulka is out of contract with Nice next summer and talks over an extension have broken down, with the Ligue 1 club now willing to cash in. Nice value the five-time Poland international at around £18m.
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It’s unclear at this stage as to what Bulka’s arrival would mean for Anthony Patterson, who has been Sunderland’s established No.1 for several years.
Patterson has made more than 150 league appearances since establishing himself as first choice at the Stadium of Light three-and-a-half years ago, and the 25-year-old made two stunning and hugely important saves in the play-off final victory over Sheffield United.
But Sunderland are looking to strengthen throughout their squad and Regis Le Bris wants competition in every department as the Black Cats prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Bulka moved to Chelsea from his homeland in 2016 before leaving on a free transfer to link up with PSG three years later. He made a permanent move to Nice in 2022, and has since established himself in France, where he’s extremely highly-rated.
His performances last season led to reports of interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.
Bulka was identified as a leading target for Sunderland after the Black Cats secured promotion to the Premier League, and officials on Wearside are now hopeful of concluding a deal in the coming weeks.
