According to a report in Le Parisien, Olympique Lyonnais defender John Mensah is being courted by Premier League clubs Sunderland and West Ham United.

The Ghanaian international star only joined OL from Stade Rennais last summer, however, the step to one of France’s elite teams has been difficult for Mensah, who has struggled to gain regular playing time at the Stade Gerland over the course of his Lyon stay.

Although he played 12 league games last season, these were not all in his favoured central defensive berth, where he struggled to displace Cris and Jean-Alain Boumsong. The 26-year-old’s season was also hindered by injury, as his whole career has been to date.

"My last season at Lyon was not good because of injuries, but I am ready and in shape now, whether I am to play in Lyon or in Premier League," he told Ghanaian television, according to France Football.

Lyon announced last week that Mensah could well be one of a number of squad players shed before the start of the Ligue 1 season on Saturday, with reports associating the Black Cats and the Hammers with the powerful defender. Sunderland are known to be in the market for a central defender and would appear to have the funding to match OL’s reported €7 million asking price.

France Football, however, notes that no move is likely for two weeks.

There can be little doubting the quality of the Obuasi-born star, who has previously featured in Italy for the likes of Genoa and Modena, however, his ability to stay healthy must be a significant worry for any side interested in his services.