So this is the kind of player well be targeting probably...... Sunderland are interested in signing Blackburn winger Connor Mahoney in the summer, according to reports. Mahoney, 20, will be free to join whoever he likes this summer when his Rovers contract expires. However, whoever lands him will have to pay a bit of compensation because of his age. The Sun on Sunday, who credited Sunderland with the interest, claim that would be around £250,000, which isn’t too sizeable a fee given the prospects of the winger. He’s impressed for Blackburn after breaking through in the second half of the campaign and is said to have caught David Moyes’ eye during one of his visits to Ewood Park to scout Sam Gallagher - the striker on loan at Blackburn from Southampton who he’s also hoping to sign in the summer. But who is Mahoney and what will he bring to Sunderland? We take a closer look at the hot prospect. Mahoney career to date Mahoney started his career at Accrington Stanley and made four appearances for them before turning 17. It was while he was 16 that he moved to Blackburn, also making his debut there before his 17th birthday - becoming the club’s third youngest ever debutant in the process against Man City in the FA Cup. This has truly been Mahoney’s breakout season though. A regular in early season match day squads, he took his chance in February when he was finally given a chance from the bench. An impressive cameo against QPR led to another nine, before he then started four consecutive games and has really caught the eye in that time. The right winger is yet to score but has registered four assists. He’s also been capped once by England’s U18s. Style of play A right winger who can also play on the left, Mahoney is a keen dribbler of the ball who has shown a willingness to beat his man. Statistics specialists WhoScored.com list his strengths as crossing and key passes while noting how keen he is keen on dribbling, which often leads to being fouled and bringing dangerous set pieces for his side. What would he offer Sunderland? A quick look at his stats show a very creative, attacking player which Sunderland will need next season. In truth they’ve lacked it this, too! As they likely drop down to the Championship their squad will diminish in numbers with players jumping ship and Mahoney will be a cheap option to come in and be a great addition to the squad, likely as an impact sub who can go on to be a regular in years to follow. His enthusiasm and positivity will no doubt be well received by Sunderland fans. As an added bonus, he’s also said to be a very good set-piece taker, something the Black Cats will likely need in the summer. While the hope will be to retain Duncan Watmore for next season, Mahoney will provide adequate cover on the right wing, while he can also play left wing too which helps. manager Owen Coyle stated his desire for Rovers to retain the player, while praising his ability. Coyle said: “What I’ve said from the outset, I really believe in him. “He has the tools and the ability. “He’s a confident kid which I like, he’s prepared to get kicked, he takes players on and shows that bravery to run at people and take them on.” What would the fee be? The Sun’s report said £250k but that is not set in stone. Initially the two clubs can agree on a compensation fee. If that fails then an independent tribunal will decide the fee. A recent example of that happening is in the move from Man Utd to West Ham of Ashley Fletcher. In that case the Hammers were ordered to pay £1million but each case depends on the players value and potential value on an individual basis.
Daft thing is those ex Everton players he signed for this season could do a very good job next season with their experience alongside some younger players, haven't got a clue why he signed them this season though!
I was just going to say that! He's actually played just less than half and often as sub but he's still certainly played a role. Usually it's the role of consolidating a slender lead by turning it into a slender loss. The talentless ****wit. Gibson is probably better than Colback but it really isn't saying much.
Think Moyes master plan was to be relegated then to take the audits if/when ??? we go back. W I was speaking to a dark side this morning - mirrored your views of the "ginger Pirlo " We know as a midfielder he is poor Good LB though.
I could not care to be honest, I will only go back when players like Kane are signed I have had my fill with this club and owners. If we get beat tomorrow I reckon 10,000 for the Bournemouth game ironic that would be hehe.
You're going to need to invest properly otherwise you might not make it up. For what it is worth, dependent on who you keep, I think Moyes is the right man to bring you up. Might not be next season but definitely the season after in my opinion
