REAL Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has completed a takeover of French second division club Caen, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sunderland striker target Alexandre Mendy.

Mendy has made clear he wishes to join Sunderland this summer but Caen have so far stood firm, despite the fact the striker is currently training alone rather than with the first team squad.

Interconnected Ventures, founded by Mbappe, has now acquired the majority shares of Caen through its investment entity Coalition Capital from previous owners Oaktree Capital Management.

And reports in France previously claimed any Mendy transfer was being held up because the club's new owners were hoping to convince the striker to stay.

Mendy, who scored 22 goals in 37 appearances in the French second tier last term, emerged as a target for Sunderland as they look for much-needed firepower ahead of the coming Championship season.

Talks have taken place with the Black Cats but the 30-year-old's future remains unclear as things stand.

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A statement confirming the Caen takeover on Tuesday read: “This transaction marks a significant step in the club’s strategic development and reinforces its natural ambition to remain among the historic places in French football,” a club statement read.

PAC Invest, Pierre-Antoine Capton’s investment company, remains a minority shareholder of the Ligue 2 club.

Capton said: “It is an incredible opportunity for Stade Malherbe Caen to be able to count on Coalition Capital for its development. Its values, commitments and extraordinary vision of sport are unique assets for this project.

“I thank Coalition Capital for their trust and I am very happy to be able to share this new cycle for the club with them. More than ever, the Stade Malherbe Caen project will live up to its history and its supporters.”

Sunderland are yet to bolster their forward line this summer, with Eliezer Mayenda and Nazariy Rusyn jostling for the starting spot in next week's Championship opener at Cardiff City as things stand.

Mayenda appears to have the edge, with Rusyn having failed to impress in Tuesday night's defeat at Bradford City. Boss Regis Le Bris is willing to allow Hemir to leave on loan this summer.