Sunderland are flying high at the moment, but that comes at a cost, as Premier League clubs are now circling their best players.
With 16 games gone this season, Sunderland are sitting at the top of the Championship table, and Regis Le Bris’ side have been mightily impressive.
Whether Sunderland can be genuine title contenders this year remains to be seen, but a number of their players might end up in the top flight regardless of where the Black Cats finish at the end of the season.
Hot on the heels of captain Dan Neil being linked to Liverpool, the Anfield outfit are now looking at more of Sunderland’s brightest talents.
Liverpool still interested in Trey Ogunsuyi
According to a report from The Sunderland Echo, Liverpool have not given up their pursuit of promising Sunderland striker, Trey Ogunsuyi, and are still looking to make a move for the teenage talent.
Ogunsuyi has previously been described as Sunderland’s “best-kept secret,” but his latest performances have put him right in the spotlight now.
The “highly-rated” youngster is very much on Liverpool’s radar after they missed out on signing him to a scholarship before he arrived at the Stadium of Light.
It is not known at this time whether an actual bid will arrive, be it from Liverpool or another Premier League club. However, Ogunsuyi is tied down to a contract keeping him at Sunderland until 2026, and their penchant for giving young players a chance in the first-team could be an advantage in persuading the striker to stick around.
Ogunsuyi has been in prolific form at youth level for both the Under-18s and Under-21, scoring nine goals in seven games. He has also featured on the bench for Regis Le Bris’ senior side three times this term, including for this weekend’s trip to Millwall.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris explains why Leo Hjelde was not in Sunderland squad despite travelling to Millwall
Liverpool are keeping tabs on various Sunderland players
This is not the first time Liverpool have been linked with Sunderland talent, of course. Their aforementioned interest in Dan Neil appears to have faded somewhat of late, though.
It was thought back in January that Sunderland might be able to demand as much as £10m for Neil if Liverpool did come knocking.
Since then, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United are among those linked with a move for Anthony Patterson. The Sunderland goalkeeper could attract offers up to £20m.
Sunderland academy graduate Chris Rigg has also been mooted for a ‘huge’ move to a club in the Premier League. Liverpool, Manchester United, Wolves, and even Real Madrid have been linked with the 17-year-old.
One would assume that, if Sunderland are to keep hold of all this incredible talent they have, they will need to maintain their push for promotion and deliver top flight football for their best players.