RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Fulham at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
When asked if the Europa League draw looked favourable: "I don't know, we'll see - 53 years later Sunderland are back in Europe so it's a bit unknown. We can expect strong opponents, different cultures, different experiences and we need that to get better. It's a huge privilege and we are really proud of this opportunity."
On facing AC Milan: "It's iconic, Milan. It's a massive club, massive history so to get back in Europe with that fixture, it's a symbol."
On Newcastle fans chanting "You'll never a Mackem in Milan": "I don't want to speak about that. It's more about us. We are proud of Sunderland first of all. Our fans deserve to be in this position for their passion, for their connection with the club, their support and it's going to be a huge experience but it's football so we want to be efficient. We want to be competitive in that cup as well."
On transfers: "Good news this week because we renewed three contracts. Romaine [Mundle], Robin [Roefs] and Wilson [Isidor], so to keep the core of the squad was our first pillar and then we want to add what we need. The market is still open."
He added: "I'm focused on the game first of all. I trust Flo [Ghisolfi], Kyril [Louis-Dreyfus] and the recruitment staff so we are working hard behind the scenes. We are really well aligned about our targets, what we need to get better as a team. I won't comment on individual positions. I still think that we'll succeed in this transfer window."
When asked if he can say anything on reports linking Sunderland with Jack Grealish, Le Bris offered a simple "no".
On the new contracts for Robin Roefs, Wilson Isidor and Romaine Mundle: "It's not just now. If they sign this contract now, the project is clear from the beginning and they see their future in Sunderland because they trust the club, they trust the environment, they trust the ambition of the club as well so it's just the end of the process, the signature. Overall, we are well connected."
When asked if anyone will follow Jenson Seelt out after his loan move to Swansea City: "It's still possible. It's good news for Jenson because he needs game time. We had a few conversations about what could be the next step and this one I think fits really well, his profile and what he needs at the minute."
On the availability of new signings to face Fulham: "Dayann [Methalie] will be suspended for five yellow cards received in France and Jules [Ahoka] is available."
You can listen to commentary of Sunderland v Fulham on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3.
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news.
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[BBC]
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