Sunderland are not interested in a reunion with Mikael Mandron this summer, despite a report claiming the Black Cats 'lead the chase' for their former striker.
Mandron's contract with Gillingham expires this summer and the 25-year-old will be available on a Bosman free transfer, and it is likely that his agent is trying to drum up interest in his client.
But Chroniclelive understands that reports that Sunderland are interested in the Frenchman - who came through the academy system on Wearside - are wide of the mark.
Mandron joined Sunderland's academy in 2011 before earning a professional contract in 2013, but he was released by the club in 2016 after making only three senior appearances for the Black Cats, and without scoring.
He made his professional debut from the bench against Aston Villa in the Premier League in April 2013 and also came on as a substitute against Spurs the following month.
His final appearance for Sunderland was as a sub against Liverpool in January 2015.
His time at Sunderland also included loan spells with Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town, and Hartlepool United.
After leaving Sunderland, he went on to play for Eastleigh, Wigan Athletic, and Colchester United, before joining Gillingham on a one-year deal last summer.
Mandron scored twice for Gillingham against his old club at the Stadium of Light in March, as the Gills twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Phil Parkinson's men.
