Sunderland are targeting young, up-and-coming players and the Blackpool attacker fits the bill – provided Newcastle United don’t get to him first.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Watford had an element of finality about it. With just over a month remaining in their eighth successive Premier League season, a Great Escape appears to be beyond doomed Sunderland.
Seven points from safety, the harsh reality is that manager David Moyes, who The Sunderland Echo reports has been backed to lead the club back to the top flight, must start laying the foundations for an escape from the Championship.
And the initial signs suggest Sunderland at least have a plan in place with young, homegrown talents seemingly set to dominate their transfer agenda. As interest heats up in Blackpool starlet Bright Osayi-Samuel, therefore, the Black Cats may have to act fast.
HITC sources said in January that Sunderland had tracked the progress of the 19-year-old forward who has netted three in his last three games. Establishing himself as one of the Football League’s most impressive young players, it seems the next logical step is for Osayi-Samuel to earn a move from League Two to a higher level.
However, The Sun claim that scouts from North East neighbours Newcastle United have scouted the in-form attacker in recent weeks and, with just a year left on his deal, could make a £1 million move in the summer.
Newcastle are in need of reinforcements in attack with the futures of a number of players unclear. And the teenager certainly fits Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s strategy or signing young players with potential re-sale value.
If Sunderland are to build a side for the long-term, up-and-coming talents like Osayi-Samuel should be their priority in the summer. And the prospect of losing out to Newcastle should spur them into action.
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