Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has thrown his backing behind a potential permanent swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Dion Sanderson.
The centre-half is currently on a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light, and has started to shine in recent weeks.
Sanderson had to be patient in the beginning, but is now a key member of the starting XI and has started the Black Cats’ last four League One matches.
Supporters have been blown away by the level he’s shown when called upon, with for Sunderland and Wolves striker Stephen Elliott recently claiming he is the best player the club have had on loan since Jonny Evans.
The Daily Mail have claimed Sunderland are ready to look into the possibility of signing Sanderson permanently, and Johnson has essentially confirmed the interest.
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He said (via Chronicle Live): “Dion is ours in the short-term, but part of our job is to help develop him for Wolves.
“If he stays on at Wolves then of course we will wish him all the best but, of course, if he doesn’t stay there then a club like us would be interested in a young talent like Dion.”
Wolves face battle over Sanderson
So it seems Wolves may have a bit of a battle on their hands keeping Sanderson.
The player will only have a year remaining on his contract at Molineux when he returns, and that will likely give Sunderland hope over landing the player.
The Black Cats could well gain promotion back to the Championship and that happening could further increase their chances.
Wolves may wish to take a look at Sanderson in pre-season, but may find it difficult to keep hold of him knowing the situation with his contract.