Sunderland remain locked in talks with Premier League side Brighton regarding a transfer for young talent Tommy Watson. The Black Cats are reluctant to sell the England youth international before bringing in a replacement having turned down a bid from the Seagulls last week.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have returned with a new offer of £8.5m before add-ons, though Sunderland are yet to agree a deal. Watson has made ten appearances in the Championship for Regis Le Bris’ side so far this season, with two goals against Stoke City.
The Black Cats were confident of keeping the youngster at the Stadium of Light last week, though that picture looks an entirely different one now with the two parties still in negotiations.
Chronicle Live has all the latest regarding Watson’s future at the Stadium of Light.
Brighton first interest
The Seagulls made a lowball offer to sign Watson in last year’s January transfer window but that was swiftly rejected by the Sunderland hierarchy. The Premier League outfit are long standing admirers of the 18-year-old, who has a bright future in the game.
Brighton are well known for their ability to snap up young talents and transform them into superstars, with Watson the next on their wishlist. Former Sunderland midfielder Josh Robertson made the move from the Stadium of Light to the Amex a year ago and the Premier League side are hoping Watson follows suit.
Sunderland stance
As Chronicle Live reported over the weekend, Sunderland do not want to sell Watson this month unless they can find a replacement but are wary that his contract expires in 18 months. The Black Cats are in the market for a left winger, should Watson leave before the deadline this evening.
“If Tommy did leave, we have to replace him,” Le Bris said at his press conference during the week. “We need two wingers on each flank, there is a better balance. Enzo [Le Fee] can play here, but only because we don’t have others available at the moment.”
The Black Cats have not given Watson permission to speak with other clubs, as things stand, though that would change if a deal is agreed.
Simon Adringa and alternative targets
Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra could be heading to the Stadium of Light as part of negotiations, according to The Daily Mail. The report claims Sunderland have “demanded” Brighton to send talented forward Adingra in the opposite direction.
Adingra’s potential move to Wearside is said to be a loan with an obligation to buy if Sunderland are promoted back to the Premier League. Chronicle Live understands this is just one avenue that the Black Cats are exploring with a number of other targets also being lined up.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tommy-watson-brighton-transfer-latest-30924808
