Sunderland are interested in signing Sonny Perkins on loan.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who have reported that there are a number of Championship clubs keen after Leeds United revealed that they will let him temporarily leave Elland Road.
The 19-year-old joined from West Ham last summer and scored 11 goals in 18 appearances for the Under 21 side, while also featuring three times for the seniors.
Perkins was named on the Whites’ bench in the Premier League a couple of times but failed to make his top flight debut before they were relegated to the second tier.
Despite their relegation, the report claims that Leeds will still look to send Perkins out on loan and Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City are three clubs interested in his signature.
The Black Cats will undoubtedly send two of their players to encourage Perkins to join the club, with both Aji Alese and Pierre Ekwah playing with the forward during his time at West Ham’s academy.
Sunderland can use Joe Gelhardt’s loan spell to entice Sonny Perkins
Sunderland have become a very desirable club for young players who are looking to get their first taste of regular football – as was the case with Joe Gelhardt.
The attacker had a long list of clubs after him in January and he eventually opted to join the Black Cats. While he only managed three goals, he definitely improved during his time on Wearside and was a prominent fixture up top as they reached the play-offs.
Gelhardt undoubtedly enjoyed his time at the Stadium of Light and his success may tempt both Perkins and Leeds into agreeing a deal that sees another young forward move further north.
However, Tony Mowbray’s side will be wary of adding too many young attackers to his squad this season, with Jewison Bennette, Isaac Lihadji and new signing Luis Semedo also on the books.