Sunderland most likely weren’t expecting to have to palm away significant interest in their players today.
The Black Cats had already parted ways with key man Jack Clarke last week, while it was reported that Patrick Roberts wouldn’t be leaving on deadline day.
While a number of fringe players are still expected to leave on loan, it was believed that Sunderland’s main focus would be on incomings.
However, it now appears that they have been forced to reject ‘multiple offers’ for one of their exciting teenagers.
- READ MORE: Sunderland striker target included in match-day squad ahead of potential deadline day loan
Sunderland ‘rejected’ £2m plus bids for Tommy Watson
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Sunderland turned down numerous bids for Tommy Watson earlier today.
Hope wrote on X: “Brighton had multiple offers for Sunderland winger Tommy Watson (18) rejected today. Value went beyond £2m.”
Watson signed a three-year contract with Sunderland in September 2023, but that hadn’t prevented interest in his signature from the Premier League.
The winger’s ‘magic’ 2023-24 campaign for the U21s resulted in calls for his first team breakthrough, but Sunderland’s impressive start to the current season has mostly left him settling for his place in the academy.
Despite that, the Wearside outfit are still desperate to keep hold of him.
Brighton have long been interested in Watson, with Sunderland Nation reporting in November that they were targeting the youngster.
Sunderland finally showing ambition
It’s unclear whether the Seagulls will press ahead with further bids before tonight’s deadline, but it is a relief to see Sunderland haven’t rolled over at the sight of a whopping seven-figure bid.
Given how little experience he has in the senior team, £2m seems like a lot of money for Watson.
However, it’s very clear that the club have high hopes for him in the future and it shows a lot of ambition that they are willing to keep hold of him and turn down such a hefty bid.
Sunderland will surely have to start rewarding him with game-time or a new contract though, because he could well become tempted by a move to the Premier League – especially to an exciting club like Brighton.