Dan Ballard sale could be key to Sunderland promotion after exit news
Sunderland are facing a nervy summer transfer window ahead at the Stadium of Light.
Although the Black Cats have had an excellent season so far, there could be a number of big-name exits from the North East.
It has already been announced that Tommy Watson will join Brighton at the end of the season after the Seagulls failed to gain his services in the winter transfer window.
Dan Ballard has now been added to the list of possible departures, along with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, making promotion critical.
Ballard wanted by Sheffield United
Sunderland may be looking towards the end of the season with hopes of promotion to the Premier League, but Sheffield United are too, and they have already set their sights on Ballard.
Football League World has reported that Chris Wilder has his eye on Ballard in the summer transfer window if his side gains promotion back to the Premier League.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 19 | 2 | 1 |
As it stands, the Blades are in pole position as they sit two points clear of Leeds United at the top of the Championship table.
With Rigg also attracting interest from the Premier League and Bellingham on plenty of radars across Europe, supporters may be sick of hearing their players linked with exits.
The 25-year-old is under contract at The Stadium of Light until 2028, meaning Sunderland are under no pressure to sell, which gives some breathing space.
However, if Sunderland fail to gain promotion this season, the sale of Ballard could secure them a place next term.
Sunderland could cash in on Ballard
Sunderland sit fourth in the Championship table and have a great chance at earning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs this season.
However, the play-offs are always tight and with plenty of top teams, there is no guarantee of success for Regis Le Bris’ side.
If the Black Cats are unable to gain their Premier League status this term, all eyes will be on next season with automatic promotion on the minds of many.
However, with the players that have been linked with a move away, the North Eastern club could be expected to achieve this in very difficult circumstances.
On paper, losing Ballard alongside other key players would be a blow, but if Sunderland are to improve their side and invest their money in new additions, it could work in their favour.
Ballard is likely one of the higher earners at the Stadium of Light, meaning if they cashed in, not only would they earn a fee but also relieve some money from the wage bill.
The defender has proven he is a quality player but throughout his time with Sunderland, Ballard has also been hit by injuries and having made just 19 Championship appearances this season proves that.
It may be a risky move but if Sunderland cash in here, they could free up plenty of money to reinvest and strengthen their squad to be in a position for automatic promotion.