Sunderland reportedly want Will Smallbone with Bournemouth also interested

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Sunderland are allegedly interested in signing Southampton’s Will Smallbone.

Jacque Talbot of Football Transfers has reported that the Black Cats are one of a number of clubs targeting the midfielder.

Smallbone impressed during his loan spell with Stoke City last season, claiming three goals and five assists under former Black Cats boss Alex Neil.

The Saints are set to lose a number of players following their relegation from the Premier League. However, they are likely to be eager to keep hold of Smallbone with James Ward-Prowse set to return to the top flight.

Sunderland will face tough competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, with Bournemouth and Hull City also interested. Two other unnamed Premier League clubs are also said to be monitoring his situation.

The Wearside faithful will remember Smallbone for his impressive display at the Stadium of Light, where he picked up a hat-trick of assists in a 5-1 drubbing by the Potters.

Smallbone clearly showed his worth in the second tier last season and it could be a difficult ask for the Black Cats to lure him to the North East, rather than staying on the south coast or returning to the top flight.

Ex-Sunderland gaffer praises Smallbone

Alex Neil was clearly a fan of Smallbone following his arrival at the bet365 Stadium in August.

The midfielder was a regular for the Potters and Neil was quick to praise him back in February.

Speaking to Stoke-on-Trent Live, the Scot said: “I think Will Smallbone, in my opinion, is a completely underrated player.

“If you look at what Will brings to the team, his legs are to die for. He’s unbelievable in terms of the amount of ground he covers in a game. When he’s not there is when you recognise it the most.

“Will, generally, in any training session or any game, churns out the most distance compared to anyone on a regular basis. Also technically, I think his understanding of pressing and jumping and locking things on is excellent.”

Neil’s comments on Smallbone make for promising reading and he could be a huge signing for Sunderland if they can grasp him from under their rival’s noses.

However, it is unclear how much the Saints would demand for his services and they certainly don’t want to get into a bidding war with the likes of Bournemouth.