Sunderland remain in pole position in the race for Manchester City’s Charlie Gray but there is Championship interest, as per reports.
Sunderland are heading for the Premier League and face a crucial summer window before the season begins. SAFC have to strengthen, but they will be eager to sign more promising youngsters too.
The Black Cats will have to find a perfect balance of bright prospects and proven players to manage the step up from the Championship.
SAFC - Sunderland captain Dan Neil lifts play-off final trophy
Image courtesy of: HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS.
A real mix of players have been linked with moves to the Stadium of Light, but among the younger talents linked with a Wearside switch has been Manchester City teenager Charlie Gray.
Now, The Sun (via the Sunderland Echo) has offered an update on the rumoured interest in the 19-year-old midfielder.
They report that the Black Cats are indeed in pole position to sign the youngster as he enters the last year of his contract. However, to win the race, they must offer him a clear plan for his transition into senior football after an impressive youth career.
There are clubs interested in the Championship, and they may be able to offer him the senior minutes he desires quicker than SAFC can as they prepare to step up.
Gray’s decision to make
Sunderland will hope they can tempt Gray to the North East, but they will have to prove themselves as the right place for the midfielder to develop if they’re to win the race.
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SAFC have proven to be a great place for youngsters to develop and they havre regularly afforded great first-team opportunities for similar prospects. However, it will be intriguing to see if those chances dry up as they head up to the Premier League.
SAFC - Sunderland's Stadium of Light
Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS.
If immediate game time is wasted by the Manchester City youngster, perhaps a drop into the Championship will be best in the short-term. However, there are few young players who would advise against joining the Black Cats after recent years.
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Sunderland have a big gap to fill in the midfield after Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund.
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Some may make a case that Enzo Le Fee can slot into such a role after his deal was made permanent, but he may be better suited to a more advanced role with a box-to-box midfielder behind him alongside Dan Neil.
Asking Gray – who is yet to make his senior debut – to fill that gap could be a big demand to make. A more established senior player may be better in the short-term, but if the youngster wants first-team football, that may sway him towards a move elsewhere.