Sheffield United want Dan Ballard as Premier League twist emerges at Sunderland
Dan Ballard has struggled for consistent game time this season at Sunderland due to injury issues.
The centre-back has made 19 Championship appearances for his side this season, contributing a goal along the way.
Sunderland sit fourth in the Championship table, on track for a shot at promotion via the play-offs, but if they don’t achieve their aims, Ballard may already have a contingency plan.
Ballard being admired away from Sunderland
Given how the three promoted sides have struggled in the Premier League this season, anyone who gains promotion this term will know the importance of strengthening their side for the top flight.
Regis Le Bris could already be looking towards the summer transfer window with worry, especially if the Mackems remain in the Championship.
Tommy Watson has agreed a deal to join Brighton at the end of the campaign, with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham also admired ahead of the transfer window.
Football League World has now reported that Chris Wilder is interested in bringing Ballard to Sheffield United, should they earn promotion to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old is under contract at The Stadium of Light until 2028, meaning Sunderland are under no pressure to sell and can certainly drive a hard bargain when it comes to potential fees.
Sunderland could risk losing big this summer
Sunderland have some excellent young players on their books this season, and that has been reflected in their excellent rise up the table again.
However, with the number of players being admired from elsewhere, this does pose a threat to the North-Eastern club that should they remain a second-tier side, they could lose a number of them.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 19 | 2 | 1 |
If the Black Cats do lose their stars in the summer transfer window, they will look to bring in a decent amount of income to reinvest in the squad, but whether the same level of players can be identified is yet to be seen.
Ballard has got plenty of quality, but his injury issues at Sunderland have been consistent for some time now, which could encourage them to cash in.
All eyes are currently on the Premier League, get there and none of this will be a worry.