Sunderland's Chris Mepham seeks permanent transfer amid loan nearing end

Chris Mepham played a crucial role in Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Cardiff City, scoring his first goal for the club with 13 minutes remaining. After Eliezer Mayenda opened the scoring early, Cardiff equalized before Mepham secured the win, helping Sunderland maintain pressure in the Championship promotion race. The defender, currently on loan from Bournemouth, expressed his desire to extend his stay with Sunderland, having found a strong connection with teammates and fans. Despite the win, Sunderland remains eight points behind second-placed Sheffield United, with ten games left in the season. Mepham emphasized the importance of focusing on current performances while also contemplating future opportunities. His contribution has been significant, providing both experience and stability to the squad throughout the season.