Sunderland youngster Trey Ogunsuyi, who scored in last night's FA Youth Cup defeat to Derby County _(Image: SAFC)_
TREY OGUSUNYI provided further evidence of his abundant potential as he scored in Sunderland’s FA Youth Cup defeat to Derby County last night – but the [Black Cats](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland) could face a major battle to hold on to the teenager with Liverpool lining up a move.
Sunderland’s youngsters crashed out of the Youth Cup as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at Pride Park, but Ogunsuyi maintained his own fine goalscoring form by scoring what proved to be his side’s only goal midway through the first half.
Receiving the ball from Jack Whittaker, Ogunsuyi produced a deft chipped finish over the goalkeeper to claim his 15th goal of the season in all competitions.
The 17-year-old is having a breakthrough season on Wearside, and looks like following in the footsteps of Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson to become the latest academy product to break into Sunderland’s first team.
A Belgian youth international who initially joined Sunderland’s academy set-up in 2016 as an Under-10, Ogusunyi signed his first professional contract with the Black Cats in January.
He has been involved in the last two pre-season programmes, and has been an unused substitute on three occasions this season, most recently at the end of last month as Sunderland drew 1-1 at Millwall.
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With the Black Cats set to play five matches between now and the first weekend of January, the youngster could find himself back in the first-team squad soon.
However, he could also be the subject of January transfer interest, with Liverpool having been heavily linked with a move for his services.
The Premier League leaders have sent senior scouting delegations to watch Ogusunyi on a number of occasions in the last 18 months, and are understood to regard the teenager as one of the brightest Under-18 prospects anywhere in the country.
Liverpool have vigorously pursued teenage domestic talent in the last couple of years, signing the likes of Trey Nyoni and Amara Nallo from Leicester City and West Ham United respectively.
There is growing talk of a January move from the Reds, who would look to add Ogusunyi to their own youth ranks for the second half of the season.
Sunderland officials would resist such a move, stressing to Ogunsuyi their commitment to promoting from within and highlighting the way in which Rigg and Watson have made huge strides in the last couple of seasons and successfully established themselves as first-team performers under Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats described Ogunsuyi’s contract as a “long-term deal” when it was announced at the start of the year, with the youngster understood to be tied down until the summer of 2026, so the Wearsiders will in a strong position even if Liverpool arrive with a formal offer.