Sunderland have no plans to sell Charlie Wyke this summer despite speculation linking the striker with League One rivals Ipswich Town, according to The Chronicle.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light, and following a pair of less-than-prolific years on Wearside, speculation has arisen suggesting that the giant centre-forward could be the latest player heading out the door.
The Northern Echo reported on Monday that Wyke, a £400,000 signing from Bradford in 2018, had caught the eye of Ipswich.
But it seems that Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson still has a place in his plans for a man who has scored just eight goals in 42 league games for the Black Cats.
Wyke might not have lived up to expectations at the biggest club in England’s third tier but, standing at 6ft 2ins, he still offers something in the final third.
When fully fit, the Middlesbrough-born target man is capable of bullying defenders with ease and opening up spaces for the likes of Chris Maguire to wreak havoc.
Having hit the net 15 times for Bradford during the 2017/18 campaign, Wyke does have a stellar League One season in his locker.
If he can stay clear of injuries, there is no reason why he cannot reach double figures again at a Sunderland side who will retain the creativity of Maguire, Lynden Gooch and co for another year.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
