Prolific striker Josh Maja could be on the move in 2019.
Sunderland are attempting to rebuild under manager Jack Ross, and a key part of their revival has been based on their homegrown players.
The Black Cats have seen Denver Hume, Benjamin Kimpioka, Bali Mumba and Ethan Robson have been in and around Ross’s first team this season, but the main star has been striker Josh Maja.
19-year-old forward Maja has hit an impressive nine goals in 12 League One appearances this season, emerging as Sunderland’s next great hope having stepped up admirably this term.
However, Maja’s contract expires at the end of the season, and The Mirror now report that Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen to sign the teenager.
If Maja moves on to another English club, compensation will be considerable, but Celtic and Rangers should absolutely be keeping tabs on the situation.
Because Celtic and Rangers are outside of England, they would only be required to pay minimal compensation, with both clubs exploiting this particular contractual loophole in recent years.
Celtic have brought in Moussa Dembele and Kundai Benyu in recent years for bargain fees with that very loophole, whilst Rangers have landed Jordan Rossiter, Joe Dodoo, Josh Windass and Matt Crooks similarly.
Maja should therefore be a key target for both clubs, as they can land a promising young striker without breaking the bank, and bolster their respective attacking options.
Celtic are a striker light having sold Dembele, and developing Maja alongside Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths should be appealing, whilst Umar Sadiq is only on loan at Rangers, and Maja would compete with the more established Kyle Lafferty and Alfredo Morelos, making Maja ideal for both teams – and they should be preparing to challenge English giants for his signature in 2019.
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