Maja’s contract situation takes a confusing turn
JOSH Maja’s Sunderland contract saga has taken another twist after Black Cats owner Stewart Donald suggested the player now will not sign a new deal with the club.
The Wearsiders had been hopeful their top goalscorer would extend his stay at the Stadium of Light beyond his current contract, which expires in the summer.
The club set a deadline to conclude negotiations but indications this week were the player was happy to sign.
However Donald took to social mediao provide fans with an update and it did not appear good news.
The Sunderland chief tweeted: “Josh Maja update. Yesterday Josh asked to see Jack Ross to say he will sign.
“Today I got a call from Sky TV saying he will not sign.
“Josh advised his agent has said don’t sign but no courtesy to tell the club. Also we offered what the agent indicated!!! Busy January ahead.
“I would have kept Josh’s news in-house but once his agent informed Sky and they reported he does not want to sign we have to respond.
“He wants to sign it ,his agent has said don’t!!!
“Stay behind him and don’t get on his back - we will try to change his mind.”
Donald added: “To answer all those who say it should be in-house. Totally agree. His agent phoned Sky to tell them - not the club or myself who would have said nothing. The agent has made this public - not to the benefit of the player!!! We are responding not instigating.”
This suggests the player’s representatives are offering a different view from the player himself.
Jack Ross has said he will continue to treat Maja as a first-team player, regardless of his contract situation.