Sunderland make offer for Geoffrey Kondogbia as Régis Le Bris targets Marseille midfielder

Sunderland have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Marseille midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia by presenting the veteran midfielder with an attractive contract offer ahead of a potential summer move.

The Black Cats have been linked with the former Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan player for several weeks, and reports in France now suggest negotiations are progressing as Sunderland attempt to secure one of Régis Le Bris' priority targets.

With Marseille keen to reduce their wage bill and Kondogbia entering the final year of his contract, the conditions appear favourable for a transfer to materialise.

According to reports from France, Sunderland have made significant progress in discussions by offering Kondogbia a salary worth approximately €110,000 per week.

That figure would exceed his current earnings at Marseille and represents a strong statement of intent from the newly-promoted Premier League side.

The report claims the financial package has become a key factor in advancing talks, with Sunderland hoping their offer can persuade the experienced midfielder to make the move to the Stadium of Light.

While no agreement has yet been finalised, the Black Cats are reportedly among the clubs pushing hardest to secure his signature.

Marseille's willingness to negotiate is closely linked to Kondogbia's contractual situation.

The midfielder has less than 13 months remaining on his current deal, creating pressure on the French club to act this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2027.

Financial considerations also play a role.

Kondogbia remains one of Marseille's highest earners, and the Ligue 1 club are believed to be open to removing his salary from the wage bill as they continue reshaping their squad.

Having followed Marseille's season closely, injuries also limited the midfielder's impact during the campaign. He featured in just 17 matches across all competitions and accumulated slightly more than 1,000 minutes of action.

Unlike many transfer negotiations, Sunderland may not face significant resistance from the selling club.

Marseille are understood to be willing sellers, while the transfer fee itself is unlikely to present a major hurdle given Kondogbia's age and contract situation.

Instead, the focus appears to be on convincing the midfielder that a move to Sunderland represents the right next step in his career.

The financial package on offer suggests the Black Cats are doing everything possible to make that decision easier.

However, it remains too early to say whether Kondogbia is ready to leave French football and begin a new chapter in the Premier League.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming weeks as Sunderland attempt to secure Kondogbia's approval. Should the midfielder give the green light, an agreement with Marseille is unlikely to prove complicated given the French club's stance.

The Black Cats remain keen to add Premier League experience to their squad, and Kondogbia's future could become clearer before the transfer window gathers full momentum later this month.

If Sunderland can complete the deal, it would represent another significant statement of intent ahead of their return to the top flight.

Would Geoffrey Kondogbia be the ideal experienced addition for Sunderland, or should the Black Cats focus on younger options for their Premier League return?