It’s been revealed that Sunderland gem Tommy Watson had interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Rangers during the summer transfer window.
For Sunderland academy gem Tommy Watson, 2024 has certainly been a bit of a whirlwind year so far.
The 18-year-old has finally made his way out of the academy and into the first-team, now featuring on a regular basis for Regis Le Bris’ side in the Championship.
He’s started the last four games now, with Watson scoring his first goals for Sunderland in the 2-1 win against Stoke City last time out.
In the absence of Romaine Mundle who’s injured until the New Year, Watson has stepped in and stepped up, and he’s catching the eye of many.
During the summer, Sunderland rejected a bid from Brighton for Watson. And it’s recently been revealed that both Nottingham Forest and Rangers looked at Watson during the summer.
Latest on Tommy Watson amid Nottingham Forest and Rangers links, transfer exit not ruled out
An emerging report from Sunderland Echo has discussed the latest on Watson and the emerging prior interest from Nottingham Forest and Rangers.
They add that it’s currently ‘unclear whether either side retains an interest’, and likewise ‘if either plan on reigniting a transfer pursuit in the near future’.
Neither Forest nor Rangers’ interest in Watson has been played down ahead of January then, and with Watson impressing, it could be a worry for the Sunderland owners.
It was previously reported that Sunderland knocked back an offer of £2million for Watson who is currently under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026.
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Tommy Watson wants rid of Jack Clarke comparisons at Sunderland
All the while that Sunderland fans have known of Watson, there’s been comparisons to Jack Clarke.
Both players are very similar in a lot of ways; the way they both move with the ball, run at defenders, and cut inside to score goals.
But Watson wants to make his own name at Sunderland. Speaking recently, he said: “I’m probably more explosive I think but as long as I can make an impact like he did I’ll be happy.
“But I do want to try and take my name away from that and make my own name.”
So Sunderland now have another player likely to be on Premier League radars in January. But the club can’t lose them all. They need to decide which ones are best to cash in on in January and which ones they should keep for a while longer.