Sunderland eyeing swoop for Huggins as they wait on Hume decision

Sunderland are targeting a deal for versatile Leeds United full-back Niall Huggins.

This paper understands the talks surround a permanent deal for the Wales U21 international, who is under contract until the end of next season at Elland Road and would thus command a fee.

Huggins had a superb campaign last time out, part of the Leeds reserves side which won promotion from Premier

League 2 Division 2.

That form earned him a Premier League debut in February, a late substitute as Marcelo Bielsa's side lost 4-2 at Arsenal.

The youngster has nevertheless been made available for transfer this summer, and Sunderland are keen as they look to bolster their still threadbare full-back ranks.

Championship sides Blackpool and Blackburn

Rovers are also understood to be monitoring his availability.

An attacking left-back by nature, a deal for Huggins would raise inevitable questions over Denver Hume's future at the club.

Hume has at this stage not agreed a new contract as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Sunderland have already signed former Tottenham Hotspur left-back Dennis

Cirkin, who has made a strong start to his Wearside career.

Significantly, Huggins can also operate as a right-back, and that versatility makes him an attractive proposition.

Speaking last week, Johnson said: “At the moment we are caught in the middle a little bit, in terms of that next left-back.

"Hopefully it’s Denver Hume.

"If it’s not Denver Hume then, of course, we need to go and get a player and into a position where we can be flexible with both full-backs.

“I’m always looking to reduce the quantity but increase the quality, whether that be a left-back who can play right-back (or something else).

“It doesn't happen a lot in England but abroad often it does. I know in Italy there is a well-used tactic where they use inverted full-backs quite a lot.

“That leads to a lot more shots coming inside, and having shots on your good foot.

“It’s something I haven’t used yet but I may potentially use moving forward, depending on the full-backs.

“Whether we sign two left-backs will obviously depend on quality and the decision that Denver and the club make.”