WE’RE INVESTED IN LOCAL TALENT – CM
PORT VALE V SUNDERLAND, FA CUP ROUND ONE, VALE PARK, SUNDAY, 2.30PM KEY BATTLE POPE V LOOVENS
checking Borussia Dortmund as a side who had shown the potential value in bringing through young players who can develop a significant value for the club.
Under Jack Ross a number of youngsters have begun to nail down a first team place and flourish in the third tier.
Josh Maja, George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch have all become vital players in the push for promotion, while Denver Hume has impressed when fit.
Bali Mumba has broken into the senior set up and while Ethan Robson has endured injury frustration, he is a player Ross believes could go on to have a big impact in the future.
The club were able to agree a professional deal with Mumba after the talented midfielder turned 17 last month.
Manager Jack Ross said that was a ‘real statement of intent’.
The England U18 international has been linked with Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea.
“We are delighted to be able to retain our best young players and our most promising players,” Ross said.
“I think for the club as a whole it is a really good reflection on the academy.
“They have brought him through and now he wants to stay.Heisundoubtedlysomeone who will attract attention throughout the country because of his ability but hopefully it is a real statement of our intent about how we want to move the club forward.”
The Black Cats are equally keen to secure Josh Maja, Denver Hume and Lynden Gooch to new deals.
All three see their current contracts expire in the summer but talks are progressing and all have expressed a willingness to stay.
Captain George Honeyman is also out of contract in 2019 but chairman Stewart Donald recently revealed that he is set to trigger an automatic extension.