Report: TSV 1860 Munich eyeing loan move for Chelsea youngster Matt Miazga

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Recent reports have suggested that Sunderland are the favourites to land the US international centre-back on a season-long deal.

German second-tier side TSV 1860 Munich are interested in signing Chelsea defender Matt Miazga on a season-long loan, according to Bild.

Miazga, who recently turned 21, joined Chelsea from the New York Red Bulls in January for a reported £3.5 million fee after establishing himself as one of the top talents in MLS and went on to make two Premier League starts for the Blues over the second half of last season.

The American centre-back produced an impressive debut performance in April’s 4-0 win at Aston Villa but subsequently struggled on his second appearance against Swansea City the following weekend, when he was substituted at half time as Guus Huddink’s side fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

Hiddink ultimately decided against using him for the rest of the run-in before making way for Antonio Conte, but the two-time capped US international does not appear to be in his new manager’s immediate plans despite leaving a positive impression on him during preseason.

Speaking to the likes of Daily Mail last month about Miazga’s development, Conte said: “He’s a young player, he has a good technique and I think that he is working very well under the physical aspect, but the tactical aspect he can improve a lot and I think that he is improving with his work.

“I think in this moment of his career it’s good if he plays to improve. To grow in experience to improve. You can improve if you play every game or a lot of games during the season. But he is a good guy and I am very happy about him.”

Now expected to be sent out on a season-long loan, Miazga was linked with a potential switch to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month [h/t ESPN FC], while more recent reports have suggested that Sunderland are the favourites to land his services for the 2016-17 campaign [h/t Guardian].

Chelsea are said to favour keeping him closer to home, but Bild claim that TSV could still make an approach for the 6ft 3in stopper during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Ultimately, the ideal move for Miazga will be one which offers him plenty of playing time, but whether he would consider a spell in the 2. Bundesliga over a potential switch to another Premier League side remains to be seen.

Sunderland could be an appealing destination given their current need for centre-back help, and given how fellow USA defender DeAndre Yedlin thrived at the Stadium of Light last season while on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, it’s not hard to see the former Red Bulls prospect being drawn to Wearside if reports of the Black Cats’ interest are true.