Don’t sign for Magpies, SuperKev tells Sando
SUNDERLAND legend Kevin Phillips has told the Black Cats’ on-loan defender Dion Sanderson not to sign for Newcastle United, amid interest from the Magpies.
The Journal revealed over the weekend that United had sent scouts to watch Sanderson, who is on loan from Premier League side Wolves, turn out in League One this season.
The 21-year-old central defender is under contract at Molineux until the end of next season and has been one of the standout performers in Sunderland’s bid to win promotion from the third tier.
Other clubs are said to have watched Sanderson as well but Phillips has warned the talented youngster not to cross the WearTyne divide, should an opportunity arise this summer.
He said: “Sanderson would be a very brave lad if he was to step across and play for Newcastle after playing for Sunderland.
“My advice to him would be ‘Don’t do it!’ It would not be worth the hassle.
“He has proved this season he is going to get better and better.
“It will not be just Newcastle sniffing around him, I am sure there will be a few other clubs as well.
“It is going to be difficult for Sunderland to sign him permanently this summer but I would be very surprised if he went to Newcastle, put it that way.”
Despite the fierce rivalry between the two sides, swapping Sunderland for Newcastle has been a well-trodden path in recent seasons.
Full-backs DeAndre Yedlin and Javi Manquillo had loan spells on Wearside before making a permanent move to Newcastle, while midfielder Ki Sung Yueng was another player to join the Magpies in recent seasons having previously turned out for the Black Cats.
Midfielder Jack Colback also caused controversy in the summer of 2014 when he ran down his contract at Sunderland before joining their fierce neighbours on a free transfer.