Blues target poised for key discussions as Black Cats deal set to expire
POMPEY target Lynden Gooch is set to hold talks about his Sunderland future tomorrow.
The American will sit down and meet with Black Cats boss Alex Neil to discuss the next chapter in his career, with his Stadium of Light contract expiring next month.
Gooch came through the Sunderland youth ranks and has played 214 times for the newly-crowned League One play-off winners.
A versatile performer, the 26-year-old started at rightback in the Wearsiders’ 2-0 victory over Wycombe at Wembley on Saturday.
He made 45 appearances in total this season, once again proving his importance to the Black Cats.
Yet doubts have remained on whether his 16-year association with the club will extend beyond this term.
If Gooch is told his future lies elsewhere, then that will be music to Danny Cowley’s ears, with the Blues boss a huge admirer.
He’s on the lookout for reinforcements down Pompey’s right, following the departures of loanees Hayden Carter and Mahlon Romeo, plus Callum Johnson’s release.
Meanwhile, with doubts remaining over Marcus Harness’ Blues longevity, Gooch is someone who is well adept at playing further up the pitch.
The player admitted he’s not sure what the future holds.
But if he is told he’s free to leave, then Gooch said he would be leaving Sunderland on a high.
Speaking to Chronicle Live after his side’s play-off final win against Wycombe, the American said: ‘Unbelievable. I’ve been through everything and this means everything.
‘This is better than anything I’ve ever experienced.
‘Obviously I’ve played in the Premier League, but staying all this time and trying to get the club back to a higher level, finally, finally we’ve done it.
‘If it is my last game, then you couldn’t ask for a better way to go out.
‘I’ll see what happens. I'll sit down with the gaffer on Tuesday and we’ll see what happens.
‘(It is the) Best day of my career by far.
‘Last year, winning and scoring the goal (in the Papa John’s Trophy final win against Tranmere) was a big moment.
‘In the grand scheme of things this was much better. Better to do it in front of the fans but we’re in the Championship now.
‘No matter where I end up, I’m a Sunderland fan for life.
‘I’ve been a part of the club for 16 years and this is the best day of my career.’
Sunderland finally escaped the third tier at the fourth attempt after goals in either half from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart, both assisted by Alex Pritchard, saw off Wycombe.
The play-off final was contested by the teams who finished fifth and sixth in the regular season after they overcame the third and fourthplaced sides in the semi-finals, Sunderland beating Sheffield Wednesday and Wycombe defeating MK Dons.
Sunderland will join champions Wigan and runners-up Rotherham in the Championship next term.
The 2022-23 League One line-up will be complete after the League Two play-off final, between Mansfield and Port Vale, this coming Saturday.