With one eye on finishing the season strongly ahead of the play-offs and the other on building a squad for the future, Sunderland have now reportedly taken a talented 18-year-old on trial and are closing in on securing his signature.
Sunderland have play-off place secured
With just four games to go in the Championship campaign, Sunderland sit as many as 16 points clear of seventh place West Bromwich Albion and have, therefore, already secured their place in the play-offs. If things stay as they are, then the Black Cats will square off against Sheffield United, who will be the favourites, shock contenders Bristol City and Frank Lampard’s resurgent Coventry City.
As ever though, the drama is far from over in the Championship and anything could still change below Regis Le Bris’ side in the fight to secure a place in the top six come May.
With the pressure off, Le Bris’ side have begun to falter ever so slightly, however, with a 0-0 draw against Norwich City followed up by a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea City to leave those at the Stadium of Light frustrated.
Following defeat against the Welsh side, Le Bris told reporters: “It’s a disappointing result. We had a lot of possession, but it was difficult to create chances – they were well-organised and stuck to their style.
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This would be a massive blow for the Black Cats.
“They played with an aggressive shape. It wasn’t about keeping the ball – we did that – but we struggled to break them down and create real openings. We have to manage the squad. While the result wasn’t what we wanted, today was an opportunity for some players to get valuable minutes.”
Meanwhile, now that they’ve secured their play-off place no matter what, Sunderland have reportedly had the chance to turn their attention towards signing a future star.
Sunderland closing in on Isaac Allan
Having already offered Crystal Palace fullback Freddie Cowin an opportunity to impress, those at the Stadium of Light have now reportedly taken another young player on trial. According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are now closing in on signing Isaac Allan from Lincoln City with the goalkeeper’s trial already underway and his chance to impress coming against Wolves’ youth side.
The 18-year-old is reportedly open to a summer move away from Lincoln even if the Imps offer him a senior contract at the club and that has seen Sunderland come swooping in.
Sunderland’s interest in a talented young player should come as no surprise. The Stadium of Light has become the land of opportunity for young players in recent years, whether that’s been thanks to the Black Cats’ academy or, indeed, their transfer business.
Both Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham are fine examples of that and now Allan could follow in their footsteps towards Le Bris’ side if he completes his move ahead of the summer. Another one for the future, Sunderland are attempting to build a side not only capable of gaining a Premier League place, but also maintaining it for years to come.
