Mepham spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, making a significant contribution to Sunderland’s promotion success as he made 37 starts during the regular Championship season and also featured as a substitute in both the play-off semi-final and final.
However, his loan deal from Bournemouth did not include a clause for an automatic permanent transfer and he has therefore returned to his parent club following the end of the campaign.
Mepham’s current contract at the Vitality Stadium is due to expire at the end of next month, but Bournemouth have the option to extend it by a further 12 months. They are expected to trigger that option, then look to sell the 27-year-old in an attempt to recoup the £12m they spent to sign him from Brentford.
Sheffield United have been credited with a strong interest in signing the centre-half, and while that would mean Mepham dropping back into the Championship, it would give him every chance of being a regular starter at Bramall Lane.
Re-signing for Sunderland offers the opportunity for Premier League football, but Mepham would almost certainly face a major fight for regular minutes on Wearside. As a Wales international, Mepham does not want to lose his place in his national side because he is spending lengthy spells on the sidelines.
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The Sunderland hierarchy were impressed with Mepham’s on-field contributions last season, and the defender also played an important role off the pitch, with Regis Le Bris repeatedly praising his leadership qualities.
However, winning promotion means the Black Cats can afford to shop in a different market, and while centre-half is a priority position this summer, a number of options, both at home and abroad, are currently being assessed.
If it is decided that alternative targets boast a higher potential ceiling than Mepham – both in terms of playing ability and potential sell-on value – the club will move for them ahead of their former loanee. The same applies to Salis Abdul Samed, who has returned to Lens at the end of his loan deal.
“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.