Michael Beale has ruled out the possibility of one Sunderland star departing in this transfer window, and it isn’t Jack Clarke.
Sunderland are gearing up for a busy window of activity as they attempt to keep hold of their best players and build on their top six ambitions.
The biggest story circulating the Stadium of Light this month is the future of Jack Clarke.
The 23-year-old is attracting a whole host of Premier League interest and while Michael Beale is desperate to keep him, it will be interesting to see whether their stance changes should a £20 million bid get tabled.
In terms of incomings, Sunderland are on the lookout for a new striker having struggled to find the back of the net this season.
They want an experienced forward to supplement the youthful exuberance of the four signed in the summer.
Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore is one of the names on their shopping list and he could leave the South Coast on loan this month.
One player who won’t be departing the North East, despite struggling this season, is Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow.
Michael Beale confirms Mason Burstow will stay at Sunderland
Speculation has risen in recent weeks that Sunderland could terminate Burstow’s loan but that has been well and truly put to bed by Beale.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, he said: “Mason’s going to stay here, I believe.
“So, you know, we’ve had those conversations and as it stands right now, Mason will be here until the end of the season.”
“He’s training well every day. He did start seven games, I think, under the previous coach and the team got good results albeit Mason never scored.”
Despite failing to find the back of the net, Beale has praised the 20-year-old’s all-round game and he’ll hope that his show of faith can lead to success in the second half of the season.
Is Beale right to keep Burstow?
Sunderland supporters have grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of output from their strikers across this season.
Given Naziriy Rusyn is the only forward to find the back of the net – and it took him till New Year’s Day – understandably, fans would feel aggrieved.
It’s been a difficult season for their young forwards in front of goal, but since the arrival of Beale, they have looked more threatening.
Rusyn is beginning to look like the player they signed from Zorya Luhansk in the summer and Burstow will be chomping at the bit to make a similar impression.
The Englishman scored goals for fun in Chelsea’s underage groups but has struggled to translate his clinical edge across to senior football.
He would, however, love to end his stay in the North East on a high and there are plenty of chances for him to grab that opportunity between now and May.