In news that will delight fans, defender Bailey Wright has agreed to extend his stay on Wearside. Plus we have the details on two Premier League defenders who have been linked to a move to the Stadium of Light. Today’s Sunderland news round-up brings you all the details on these stories.
Sunderland News Round-Up: Premier League Defenders Linked Plus Bailey Wright Extends Stay on Wearside
Black Cats Interested in Leeds United’s Charlie Cresswell
Sunderland 'interested' in Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell | #SAFC https://t.co/zCSKNVDHVt
— Sunderland AFC News (@ChronicleSAFC) June 30, 2022
According to Matty Hewit of the Chronicle, Sunderland are one of several clubs interested in Leeds United central defender Charlie Cresswell. The 19-year-old England under-21 international is currently fifth choice at Elland Road and is expected to be allowed to leave on loan ahead of the new season.
Cresswell has currently played nine times for United, including five Premier League appearances.
Daniel Ballard Close to Signing
Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo and Michael Walker of The Athletic have reported that highly-rated Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is close to signing.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international who has been capped 15 times by his country was close to joining fellow Championship side Burnley last week. However, the deal broke down in its final stages according to James McNicholas and Andy Jones of The Athletic.
The central defender has gained plenty of EFL experience over the past two seasons. He won promotion from League One while on loan at Blackpool followed by a season in the Championship with Millwall. While at The Den he played 33 times. Despite signing for Arsenal in 2018, Ballard failed to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners.
Ballard is reportedly currently on Wearside and is in advanced talks of a permanent move.
Sunderland News Round-Up: Bailey Wright Signs New Contract
Two more years of @BaileyWright92 😍
We’re delighted to announce that the Australia international has signed a new contract on Wearside! #SAFC
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 29, 2022
Australia international defender Bailey Wright has signed a new contract at the club. It’s a deal which extends his stay on Wearside for a further two years. Wright was a key player for the Black Cats as they gained promotion via the playoffs last season. He capped an impressive year by helping his country qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking shortly after signing, Wright spoke to the clubs’ official website safc.com. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract at Sunderland. What a way to finish last season at Wembley Stadium and I’m looking forward to enjoying Championship football this campaign.
“I can’t wait to get started following my return to training, and to see all of our supporters back at the Stadium of Light next month for the opening game of the season.”
