Chris Coleman in attendance as Sunderland target Ben Woodburn helps Liverpool U23s to victory

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Sunderland’s under-23s were beaten by their Liverpool counterparts with Chris Coleman watching on.

The Sunderland Echo reported last month that Sunderland were keeping a keen eye on Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn ahead of a potential loan bid for the Wales international during the January transfer window.

Woodburn was handed his senior international debut by Black Cats boss Chris Coleman and hit the headlines by scoring a stunning winner against Austria in the game that saw him pick up that first cap, so it was probably little surprise that Coleman is now keen on bringing him to the Stadium of Light.

And his interest has surely only increased after Sunderland’s under-23 side’s latest game.

The Chronicle reports that Coleman was in attendance to watch the youngsters come up against their Liverpool counterparts, who included Woodburn in their squad for the fixture.

Woodburn would have undoubtedly impressed his former national team boss, completing the scoring in the Reds’ 4-1 victory with a 25-yarder, which may perhaps evoke memories of his stunning goal against Austria in September.

While Coleman would have surely had his eye on a number of his own young players – especially given the number of injuries the first-team are currently having to cope with – you would certainly not be surprised if Woodburn’s impact during the game made him more determined to make a deal happen given that the January window is just around the corner.

The Black Cats currently find themselves in the Championship relegation zone, but did manage to hold league leaders Wolves to a goalless draw at the weekend.