Sunderland's Daniel Ballard celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game against Norwich City
Sunderland's Daniel Ballard celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game against Norwich City. Ian Hodgson/PA Wire.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be pushing to sign Sunderland centre back Daniel Ballard in a bid to tighten their defence after their poor start to the season.
Wolves have conceded 40 goals in just 17 games so far this season, the most in the Premier League, and are in need of reinforcements after failing to replace Max Kilman who moved to West Ham United in the summer.
According to TBR Football, the Black Country side are pushing for a potential transfer deal for Ballard who has another three and a half years left on his current deal. The Northern Ireland international has attracted interest from Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Sunderland's rivals Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old is a product of Arsenal's academy and was subject to three loan moves from the Gunners, failing to make a senior appearance for them before joining the Black Cats in 2022. He has played 11 times this season after recovering from an ankle injury and has been key in their play-off-contending form this season and in the 2022/23 campaign despite suffering set-backs. Born in England, Ballard has turned out 26 times for Northern Ireland after making his senior international debut in 2020.
The centre back has been compared to fellow defenders Michael Keane and Harry Maguire in his play style and would provide leadership and a notable presence to Vítor Pereira's back line.
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