REGIS Le Bris has opened the door for Timothee Pembele to leave on loan this summer, with the head coach revealing talks are ongoing as Sunderland look to determine the best course of action for the full-back.

The 21-year-old joined Sunderland from PSG last summer but made just eight Championship appearances in his first campaign on Wearside.

Pembele is behind Trai Hume in the pecking order at right-back and opportunities will be hard to come by this season, so Sunderland think a temporary switch might be best so the youngster can benefit from regular football.

He wasn't involved for the friendlies at Blackpool or against Marseille last week when Le Bris named full strength squads.

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Asked whether a loan exit is now possible, Le Bris admitted on Thursday: "We are discussing this with him at the moment. For him and for us, we need to find the right solution. It's possible that he could leave on loan, that is possible."

There was one confirmed Sunderland loan exit on Thursday, with Jay Matete joining Bolton for the coming campaign.

Kristjaan Speakman, sporting director, said: “Jay’s had a difficult 12 months with injury, but he has worked hard to return this summer in the best condition.

"He’s had a solid pre-season from a physical perspective and with a new season about to commence, he is eager to play regularly. We wish him well with this loan opportunity and look forward to seeing him back enjoying his football and progressing.”