LEDGER TARGETS BIG CATS CHANCE
Michael Ledger is targeting first-team football at Sunderland after a successful loan spell in Norway – as clubs across Europe weigh up a move for the defender.
The promising 19-yearold played every minute for Viking Stavanger in the Norwegian top flight during his 13-game spell, catching the eye of scouts.
Ledger played his final game for Viking last weekend and, while the Eliteserien side have struggled, Ledger has impressed.
The Echo understands that Viking wanted to keep the Sunderland academy product until the end of their season, which runs until November.
But Sunderland are bringing him back to Wearside to see if he can break into the firstteam set-up ahead of the Championship campaign.
Skipper John O’Shea is set to extend his stay, as revealed by the Echo, but Sunderland are short on central defenders with former loanee Jason Denayer returning to parent club Manchester City while there are doubts over the futures of Papy Djilobodji and West Ham target Lamine Kone.
It could pave the way for more first-team opportunities for Ledger as managerless Sunderland look to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League.
The Echo understands that if Ledger – who has been at Sunderland since the age of eight – doesn’t break into the team then he will have the option to go back to Viking on loan.
There is also strong interest in him from several German clubs, who scout the Norwegian league extensively.
It is understood German Bundesliga side Mainz are among the clubs to have enquired about taking him on loan, while there is also strong interest from the Scottish Premiership and League One in England.
Viking prop up the Eliteserien after 13 rounds of fixtures but Ledger has done well in central defence, playing every minute of every game he has started, scoring one goal.
Ledger impressed Viking boss Ian Burchnall during his loan spell, which saw him play 1,170 first-team minutes.