Sunderland have opened contract talks with Patrick Roberts.
Kristjaan Speakman addressed the winger’s current situation after he was asked whether negotiations had begun following his heavy links to Southampton last week.
Roberts joined Sunderland on an initial six-month deal in January 2022 and quickly earned himself a two-year contract after helping the club win promotion to the Championship.
The forward went onto score five goals and provide seven assists last season and has become one of the Black Cats’ most pivotal players, though they are now actually pretty lucky to still have him on their books.
It was reported last week that Southampton were interested in snapping Roberts up after Sunderland had failed to tie him down to a new contract. The 26-year-old was also believed to be keen on the switch, though it never materialised.
Sunderland really want to keep hold of Patrick Roberts
After it was believed that the Wearside outfit had put contract talks on hold, Speakman has now confirmed they are working on a new deal for the player.
“Yes, that conversation has been ongoing,” the club’s sporting director said.
“I think that’s something that we will now pick back up. When you get to the latter end of the transfer window I think it’s always difficult to conclude those talks. We managed to do that with Luke [O’Nien].
“Patrick is a player that we’d like to retain. He’s been an outstanding performer for us on the pitch, and we’ll continue to have those conversations with Patrick and some other players.”
Roberts will be free to leave Sunderland on a free transfer next summer if he doesn’t put pen to paper soon, though Tony Mowbray’s side will be eager to tie him down before the January transfer window.
The former Man City star hasn’t featured in the Black Cats’ last two fixtures after picking up an injury, but could make his return to QPR after the international break.