Joe Ledley looks likely to stay at Derby County – but could he be tempted to reunite with his former Wales coach Coleman at Sunderland?
Chris Coleman has one hell of a job on his hands turning Sunderland around. But it makes sense to get a few players he knows and trusts on board in January as he looks to immediately put his stamp on a team completing lacking any kind of identity.
The Sunderland Echo report the newly appointed manager has made young Liverpool duo Danny Ward and Ben Woodburn priorities in the January transfer window. A highly-rated goalkeeper and the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, both Ward and Woodburn were given their Wales debuts by Coleman and could be available for loan in the New Year.
But surely Sunderland’s new manager is fully aware of the fact that one of his most trusted former players, Joe Ledley, will also be up for grabs in January.
The 30-year-old was released by Crystal Palace in the summer and signed a short-term deal at Derby County which expires upon the turn of the year. Understandably, Rams boss Gary Rowett has made clear to the Derby Telegraph that he wants to keep Ledley at Pride Park for longer with Derby unbeaten in any of the seven games he has played for the club so far.
Coleman, however, should do everything to ensure the cash-strapped Sunderland through their hat into the ring for this soon-to-be free-agent.
Ledley was an integral part of Coleman’s success story in charge of Wales, starring as they stunningly reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. And there is a real mutual respect between player and coach.
“The gaffer has been fantastic, he’s been one of the best managers I’ve worked with, not just on the pitch, but off it as well,” Ledley told The Express after Coleman was nominated for the FIFA World Coach of the Year award in 2016.
Perhaps Derby won’t have it all their own way in January.
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