Michael Beale has claimed that Sunderland have ‘made it very clear’ that they really want to sign a Premier League youngster.
Sunderland have had no luck in the January transfer window so far, but are still waiting for a decision to be made on striker target Kieffer Moore.
They also appear to be on the hunt for a left-back after being linked to Luke Thomas, while Michaal Beale has admitted that they are also looking to add a central midfielder to their ranks.
However, one player they won’t be signing this month is Amad Diallo. Despite months of Sunderland hoping they could re-sign the ‘incredible’ Ivorian, Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Manchester United won’t let him leave on loan again.
There had been very few murmurs regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of Amad since before Christmas, however Beale has now confirmed that they were indeed very interested in bringing him back to Wearside.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats coach said: “We’ve made it really clear to them that we would be in there but Man Utd really value him as well.
“He could have an interesting second half of the season in-house but if he was to go out on loan, I can assure you, they are well aware we would want him to come back here.”
“Putting finances aside – because that’s the big thing isn’t – I know he loved his time here, the fans loved him and he was well loved in the changing room.
“When I came here, it was something that if it could happen, it would happen but I think Man Utd realise they have a very good football player on their hands.”
Is it all over for Sunderland?
The lack of movement in Sunderland‘s pursuit of Amad Diallo this month had been concerning, especially when reports surfaced that it was actually Middlesbrough who were leading the race for his signature.
However, if the club have already done everything they can to lure the 21-year-old back and it is simply just Manchester United wanting him in the Premier League, then there isn’t much more we can do about that.
Amad will undoubtedly make his mark in the top flight this term, especially given the Red Devils’ poor form so far. But I think it’s safe to say that we won’t see him in a Sunderland shirt again – that is unless he completely flops over the next second months.