Sunderland are reportedly battling a number of clubs in the Premier League and Championship to sign Josh Stones.
The Lowdown: Impressing
The 18-year-old has been impressing in non-league with National League North team Guiseley, with Crystal Palace the latest side to be blown away by him after he captained and starred in an under-18 game against the Premier League outfit.
He found the back of the net as the match ended 1-1, while in the National League North, he has scored once in his 11 appearances so far this season.
The Latest: Sunderland interest in Stones
As per TEAMtalk, Sunderland are among a number of teams who are interested in signing Stones, including fierce rivals Newcastle United.
Palace, Wolves, Burnley and Watford also hold an interest from the Premier League, while both Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough are pursuing him from the Championship.
The Verdict: Exciting
It certainly is exciting for the Black Cats, a League One outfit, to be going toe-to-toe with all those clubs above them in the football pyramid, especially the new mega-rich Magpies.
If Sunderland could beat their northeast rivals to Stones’ signature, it would surely delight the fans in what has been a tricky period in their season.
The English attacker is a player with a lot of potential at just 18 years of age, and now is the best time to bring him to the Stadium of Light while he is still relatively unknown.
In other news, find out what ‘huge’ takeover update William Storey has dropped here!