CATS’ WHISKERS
Mackems will fight to stop talent drain this summer
by SIMON BIRD 3pm
SUNDERLAND are braced for offers for some of their top players, including Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke, but have warned they will only sell for top prices.
The mid-table Championship outfit are in a state of flux, looking for a new permanent manager, with Paul Heckingbottom and Steve Cooper in the frame.
They also have talent which has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Winger Clarke, their prize asset, is rated at £20m.
Midfielder Dan Neil has been looked at by Leeds, centre-back Dan Ballard by Everton and Anthony Patterson is one of the top young keepers in the division.
Jobe, brother of Real Madrid and England’s Jude, has had a solid season and increased his transfer value from the £3m the Mackems paid for him, with Lazio looking at the 18-year-old.
Ever-present full-back Trai Hume, who has only missed 26 minutes of the season, is also a potential top-flight player.
Sunderland’s ownership model is to develop young players and sell on, while always being in contention for promotion.
But their season was derailed when they sacked Tony Mowbray, brought in Michael Beale who lasted two months and left coach Mike Dodds in charge.
This summer owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will oversee a rebuild with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman which will involve trading.
Dodds said: “It’s got to be right for the football club and all those players are under contract.
“They have lengthy contracts and so the club are in a strong position
“So it’s really clear that if anyone wants to come and take a Sunderland player, then they’re going to have to pay the premium.”
Dodds’ side entertain Millwall today, whose Championship safety is close to being secured.
Manager Neil Harris replaced Joe Edwards in February with Millwall threatened by relegation but impressive home form has seen the side climb to 16th.
It’s been a different story away from
The Den, with the Lions’ only victory on the road under Harris being his first game in charge at Southampton.
He said: “Maybe we need to find a bit of that home spirit.
“I want the players to build a siege mentality away from home that we have at The Den.”