Sunderland face losing Dan Ballard to Ligue 1 this summer. The defender was one of Sunderland’s most important players last season and had previously attracted interest from Everton. The Black Cats had reportedly opened talks with him over a new contract as they look to keep hold of their prized assets, however Lens are now looking to lure him away before he puts pen to paper. Will Still has made Ballard a ‘major summer target’ and will look to tempt him with the promise of challenging for European football. Sunderland do look unlikely to part ways with the centre-back though, with their timel…
