Sunderland have been heavily linked with a move for Liverpool striker Ben Woodburn.
Sunderland want the Liverpool forward, and are believed to be close to sealing a deal.
Woodburn only has a limited amount of first-team experience, but Coleman already sees the youngster as a regular starter at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are now on the verge of bringing the Welshman to Wearside, with Coleman using his relationship with the prospect to his advantage.
Coleman worked with Woodburn at international level, and handed the Liverpool man his debut for Wales.
And Coleman now insists that he wants to add young players to Sunderland’s squad.
Coleman said: “Give me an 18 or 19 year old with a bit of fight and fire in his belly than someone who’s 30 with £50m in the bank and 500 games under his belt but who’s lost his appetite.”
Woodburn looks set to become Sunderland’s first signing of the January window, but Coleman also wants more additions to improve his first-team squad this month.
The Black Cats are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
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