Championship outfit Bristol City reportedly watched Josh Maja in action for League One outfit Sunderland on Saturday – and the striker scored yet again.
Bristol City’s trip to Wearside was not wasted on Saturday.
According to Bristol Live, The Robins sent scouts to watch young Sunderland striker Josh Maja in action and he stepped up to the plate in style, coming off the bench to score a vital equaliser late on in a 1-1 home draw against Wycombe Wanderers.
That was Maja’s 11th in just 20 games this season. The striker has arguably been the biggest plus of a season in which Sunderland appear to have settled down after years of mismanagement.
On paper, however, the chances of Bristol City winning the race for Maja look slim. The Mirror report that Premier League trio Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City are all interested while the 19-year-old himself is interested in extending a contract that is due to expire at the end of the season, Sunderland manager Jack Ross told The Chronicle.
But maybe Bristol City is the most sensible destination.
A move to the top flight, particularly with Spurs or City, would feel like too much too soon but stepping up to the Championship could be a good test for a player who looks a cut above in the third tier.
Furthermore, Bristol City have provided the Launchpad for a number of talented young players like Maja, such as Joe Bryan, Bobby Reid (below) and Tammy Abraham.
So while the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere, Ashton Gate looks like a habitat Maja could thrive in.
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