There haven’t been too many outgoings at the Stadium of Light this month but TEAMtalk report that several Premier League clubs have one Sunderland youngster in their sights.
What’s the word?
Everton, Leicester, Southampton and Bournemouth have reportedly been monitoring Brandon Taylor over the past few weeks and now they are all ready to approach the Black Cats for his services.
The young defender hasn’t enjoyed too much time on the pitch this season, though he did complete 90 minutes against Grimsby and Gillingham in the EFL Trophy and the FA Cup.
The interest from multiple parties could work in the Black Cats’ favour, as they may be able to pit each club against each other, though with his contract expiring at the end of the season he could be targeted on a free by the four clubs mentioned.
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Setting a precedent
Sunderland have had a few successful academy graduates in recent seasons. Denver Hume is an example of a youth player who has become a regular in the first-team with 27 appearances this term, but he is an oddity.
The likes of Josh Maja and Joel Asoro impressed enough in the north-east to earn moves elsewhere, and Sunderland must show that they have learnt from those setbacks and deter any interest in their young players.
If Taylor was to be picked up it would signal that the club is powerless in holding onto its prospects, particularly if he was to leave on a free.
As a result, there should be plans to extend his deal as he has faired well in the games he has played, and though it may be difficult for Phil Parkinson due to his current defence conceding three times in seven games, the centre-back should be given more game time.
Minutes on the pitch may be the only thing which can prevent him from departing to the Premier League, though Hume’s success also provides evidence that there is a pathway to the first-team in place.
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Perhaps the only positive is that the interest in the 20-year-old shows that the academy continues to prosper despite the U18 side struggling in Premier League 2 this season, as they sit bottom with zero points.
Elsewhere, Sunderland fans have been reacting to a significant transfer taking place in League One.