Sunderland could lose star striker Josh Maja this month with Premier League outfit West Ham United reportedly battling Middlesbrough for his signature.
The Sunderland Echo has provided a new update on the future of Josh Maja on Tuesday – and now it seems that West Ham United are at the front of the queue.
Maja has scored 16 goals in all competitions, firing Sunderland into contention for an immediate return to the Championship. But the 20-year-old striker is a man in demand right now having refused to extend a contract that is due to expire at the end of the season.
And The Echo is now reporting that West Ham have now made contact with his agent and Manuel Pellegrini’s side could tempt Sunderland with a rather intriguing offer.
It is understood that The Hammers are willing to loan Maja out for the next 18 months, with a temporary return to the Stadium of Light a possibility. This will no doubt appeal to Jack Ross, who needs his goalscoring talisman to stay with promotion on the cards.
Interestingly, The Echo adds that Sunderland’s local rivals Middlesbrough are also keeping tabs on the situation. Losing arguably their most exciting academy graduate in years to the club down the road obviously doesn’t bare thinking about for Black Cats fans.
It is understood that a bid of £3 million could be enough for Sunderland to cash in to avoid potentially losing Maja on a free.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
