Donald’s positive about duo’s contracts

Sunderland are close to agreeing a new contract for Lynden Gooch – and Stewart Donald has revealed there is positive news on Josh Maja’s deal as well.

Gooch has been in stellar form this season, securing the second most assists in League One so far this season.

Talks have progressed well in recent weeks after Gooch made clear that he was eager to extend his stay on Wearside.

“The dialogue with Lynden as a club has been pretty good,” manager Jack Ross said.

“I would hope there would be positive news in that respect soon. That was probably the one Stewart was alluding to.

“There’s nothing concrete as yet. Lynden is another player that I am close to and he has been terrific for me this season. He genuinely loves this club and he has a real affinity with the club and area.

“He wants to grow with us, so I will be hopeful that in the near future there will be positive news on him.”

Sunderland are also hoping that Denver Hume and Maja will sign new deals ahead of the January transfer window.

Donald tweeted yesterday that he is hopeful that there will be positive news on the 19-year-old’s future soon.

“We are making progress,” he said. “Josh has said he wants to stay so we are just trying to finalise details. We all want it sorted soon and we will give an update before Christmas.”

Maja would be free to talk to other clubs in January regarding a precontract agreement, which would leave Sunderland with a big call to make as to whether they try to cash in during the winter window.