‘Dan Ballard worry emerges’ amid Sunderland transfer update
Dan Ballard’s future at Sunderland is somewhat up in the air.
Sunderland have had a good summer so far in terms of recruitment, but there is still a lot of work to be done before the Premier League season gets underway next month.
Six new arrivals have landed at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland expected to bring several more through the door, including defensive reinforcement.
The Black Cats have been linked with a whole host of central defenders this summer, which has cast a shadow of doubt over the future of their playoff hero, Ballard.
Sunderland wary of Ballard interest
Ballard played an influential role in Sunderland’s promotion back to the top flight and also produced one of the most iconic moments for the club when he scored in the final seconds to send Sunderland to Wembley.
However, with Regis Le Bris eying defensive arrivals, his future on Wearside is unknown.
| Sunderland v Coventry | Minutes | Goals | Clearances |
| Ballard | 210 | 1 | 39 |
That is according to a report in the printed edition of the Sun on Sunday (13 July, pg 59), where it states that he will attract offers if he loses his place in the starting 11.
Charlie Cresswell and Nayef Aguerd are two of the latest defenders who have been linked with a move to Sunderland, with movement expected over the next few weeks.
Sunderland need defensive signings
Luke O’Nien is a hero on Wearside, but to enter the Premier League with him as one of your starting defenders would be a massive risk.
Sunderland will be aware of that, though they will need to act on it and secure a new arrival in the coming weeks.
A new striker and goalkeeper will also be high up on their list of transfer priorities, though with over a month until the campaign gets underway, time is on their side.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.