Sunderland are still keeping an eye on Amad Diallo, despite his recent injury problem.
According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats remain interested in signing their former loanee but would expect him to join a higher club if he was to leave.
Amad was named as Sunderland’s Young Player of the Year as he bagged 14 goals during a hugely successful loan spell in the Championship last season.
The ‘incredible’ 21-year-old featured heavily in Manchester United’s pre-season schedule, however it was unclear whether Erik ten Hag would opt to keep him amongst the first team or would instead look to ship him out again.
The Black Cats were among a number of clubs eager to snap him up on loan this summer, with Amad previously suggesting that he would only want to return to Wearside if he was to leave Old Trafford.
However, their pursuit of Amad hit a stumbling block when he suffered a knee injury during United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in pre-season.
The club confirmed that he would miss the ‘first part’ of the 2023/24 campaign, leaving a move away unlikely.
As Amad looks to earn a fast recovery, he posted a message on his Instagram on Tuesday that read: “Step by step to come back stronger”.
Could Amad Diallo still leave Manchester United?
Amad Diallo’s injury means he is extremely likely to stay at Manchester United beyond next week’s transfer deadline.
However, the Ivory Coast international is expected to return to action this year and could well be a target for the likes of Sunderland, Leeds United and Leicester City once again in the January transfer window.
This will surely depend on his presence in United’s first team though, with their attack so far struggling after two games in the top flight.
The likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and even Marcus Rashford are yet to kick on, while fans had previously been impressed with Amad during pre-season.
The report’s suggestion that Amad has attracted interest from clubs higher up in the football pyramid may also impact Sunderland’s chances of re-signing him.