Jack Ross explains Josh Maja absence for Sunderland

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Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in Sunderland forward Josh Maja.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has explained to The Northern Echo why reported Celtic and Sunderland target Josh Maja missed the weekend fixture against Luton Town.

According to The Chronicle, Celtic are interested in signing Maja from Sunderland in the January transfer window (click here to read more).

The Express has credited Tottenham with interested in the 20-year-old forward (click here to read more).

The youngster did not feature for Sunderland in their 1-1 draw with Luton Town at the Stadium of Light in League One on Saturday afternoon, and manager Ross has explained why.

Ross told The Northern Echo about Maja: “I know that there’ll be 101 different theories as to why he wasn’t involved. The good thing is I generally I tell the truth, so when I say he is ill, that is the case.

“I first got word on Friday night around 10 o’clock that he was unwell, he deteriorated overnight and didn’t get any better this morning.

“The doctor went to see him mid-morning and he wasn’t well, he had a stomach bug.”

Promising talent

Maja is one of the best young players in League One, and there is no surprise that Celtic and Tottenham are reportedly interested in the Sunderland forward.

According to WhoScored, the 20-year-old has made 22 starts and two substitute appearances in League One for Sunderland so far this season, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Sunderland are aiming to win automatic promotion from League One at the end of the season, and they need to keep hold of Maja.