There’s a belief Wolves defender Dion Sanderson would prefer to join a Championship club like Sheffield United than return to Sunderland, as reported by The Star.
Don’t get us wrong, if Lee Johnson’s Sunderland hadn’t missed out on promotion again (three times and counting now), Sanderson would probably have signed on the dotted line in an instant.
But, after spending the whole of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, who could blame the versatile 21-year-old if he’s not exactly thrilled about the prospect of a second spell in League One?
Even if Sanderson did want to return to Wearside, could Sunderland could even afford him?
The Black Cats saw an initial £1 million bid rejected on Monday.
According to the Daily Mail, Wolverhampton Wanderers are holding out for at least £2 million for Sanderson, a fee that would make the Midlands-born defender their most expensive acquisition since poor old Will Grigg.
Will Wolves defender Sanderson opt for Sheffield United?
Sunderland aren’t the only club looking to lure Sanderson away from Molineux.
According to The Star, Sheffield United head of recruitment Paul Mitchell has been watching the one-time Cardiff City loanee for the best part of 12 months.
Furthermore, the Blades believe Sanderson would choose them over Sunderland, with a club expected to challenge for the Championship title representing a more alluring option than a side gearing up for more Tuesday night trips to Accrington, Gillingham and Milton Keynes.
Who knows, if all goes to plan Sanderson may be playing against Wolves in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
New Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic has a third promotion in his sights, having guided Fulham and Watford to the top flight.
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