Sunderland have less than three weeks to keep a tight grip on Jack Clarke.
The winger was expected to leave Sunderland for the Premier League this summer, but is yet to receive any bids due to his £25 million price tag.
It was business as normal for Clarke at the weekend, as he continued his role in the starting line-up and got off the mark when he doubled the lead against Cardiff City.
Interest is very likely to heat up in the final weeks of the window, but fans will be praying that the club can keep hold of him for another season.
Clarke’s valuation will drop next summer if he is to stay, with his contract expiring in 2026. However, most will argue it would be worth it if he can guide the club back to the top flight.
Romaine Mundle could force Tommy Watson down the pecking order
The 23-year-old will likely be backed up by Romaine Mundle if he stays too, with the January signing really catching the eye during preseason.
Mundle managed only a matter of minutes against Cardiff, but is likely to pick up more game-time if he can keep up his form and is likely to be ahead of the likes of Abdoullah Ba and Tommy Watson in the pecking order.
Watson was tipped for a real opportunity at Sunderland in the second half of last season, having really impressed with his ‘magic’ performances with the U21s.
The teenager only managed a three minute cameo on the final day of the campaign though, while the arrival of Regis Le Bris and the preseason performances from Mundle are likely to have pushed him back down to academy football.
If Clarke does end up staying this summer then Watson is going to really struggle to earn those minutes that he looked likely to gain earlier this year.
If Clarke stays, Watson should welcome an EFL loan
While he is only 18 years old, Watson does look levels above his U21s opponents and should really be offered the chance to play senior football to aid his development.
While Le Bris favours working with younger players, keeping Watson with the U21s could stunt his growth and the French manager should instead consider loaning him out.
Sunderland will be very eager to keep hold of the attacker due to his high potential, but they are going to have to give him a helping hand if he is to be ready for regular football at the club over the next few years.
Watson would hugely benefit from a season lower down the English pyramid, with the likes of Mundle, Ba and Ian Poveda battling it out for places in the senior team.
If the Black Cats fail to win promotion this term then we could well see Watson making his mark next time round – but he certainly won’t make as much progress if he is to remain at the Academy of Light for another year.