Sunderland will use a well-known name to support its promotion bid.
Sunderland will attempt to re-sign Manchester United winger Amad Diallo on loan once the transfer window opens in January, according to TEAMtalk.
The 21-year-old spent last season at the Championship club and was a huge success, scoring 14 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions. He also won the club’s Young Player of the Year, whilst he was nominated for the same award in the end of season Championship ceremony, losing out to Bristol City’s Alex Scott.
He returned to Old Trafford hoping to nail down a first team spot in Erik ten Hag’s side, but the Dutchman was keen to send the Ivory Coast international out on another season-long loan, this time to another Premier League club or one in Europe’s top five leagues. However, the attacker suffered a knee injury during pre-season that has ruled him out of the opening months of the campaign.
It has previously been claimed that Amad has informed the 20-time English champions that should he depart on loan in January, he would like to re-join Sunderland after striking up an excellent relationship with both the supporters and manager Tony Mowbray. According to TEAMtalk, United are willing to sanction another temporary deal and the Black Cats believe they are firmly in the race.
Mowbray is bracing himself for Premier League interest in some of his stars once the transfer window opens after Christmas, with fellow winger Jack Clarke reportedly the subject of interest from the likes of Brentford and Burnley. The Clarets are also keen on defender Dan Ballard, although the Wearside club will be hoping to keep the pair to aid with their bid for promotion back to the top tier.
Sunderland currently sit fourth in the Championship after 11 games and will return to action following the international break next weekend against strugglers Stoke City, before a trip to table-toppers Leicester City.
Writer’s View
This news will be met with excitement from Sunderland fans, who know that Amad shares a special relationship with the club. The former Atalanta youngster has made no secret of the adoration he holds for Tony Mowbray’s team and there will be a real belief that they can convince Manchester United to allow him to drop back into the Championship for half a season.
The pre-season injury halted any plans the Red Devils had for the winger, although there is also likely to be interest from the Premier League. Expect to see those fighting relegation to appear in the race, but United could feel that he would be best placed in a team winning games, even if it is in a division he is too good for.
