Duncan Watmore has confirmed that he wants to pen a new contract at Sunderland. Watmore has enjoyed a spectacular rise over recent weeks, with the 21-year-old producing a man-of-the-match display for England Under-21s on Monday, despite being limited to a 15-minute run-out from the bench. The Echo revealed last week how Watmore was keen to agree fresh terms at the Stadium of Light, with his current deal due to expire next summer. Watmore's camp have been keen to get assurances over his place in Sunderland's first-team squad, along with seeing a financial package which represents his inclusion in the England U21 squad. Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is equally keen to tie down the forward after handing him his first Premier League start against Southampton 10 days ago. And Watmore has now publicly confirmed his intention to remain on Wearside after being genuinely humbled by the reception he has received from Sunderland fans. "I’m trying to push to play as much as possible," said Watmore. "The new manager has been great with me since he came in. He’s given me opportunities. "If he gives me anymore I just have to make sure I take them and kick on. I need to try to ensure I play as much as I can. "Do I want to stay at Sunderland? Yes I do. It’s a great club. "Playing for England Under 21s will hopefully even more to do that. I have played for first team and the Under 21s at Sunderland and now the U21s with England. "It’s been a great year so far.'"
Whether we stop up or go down it is important that we keep him. He could be the difference between us coming straight back up or not!
Looks every bit a very good footballer and is very intelligent and has his head screwed on. Good news (hope the people who deal with the contracts were listening when he said it!)
We have to tie him down on a 4 or 5 year contract with a minimum fee release clause of at least 25m. Same with Pickford.
That is a good bit of news, I hope we also tie M'Villa down on a long permanent contract very soon as we don't want others poaching him.
I'll believe this after he's signed a contract, he's had a lot of publicity over the last few days and no doubt other teams will be coming in for him because he's a great prospect. There's a big difference between wanting to stay and actually committing himself to the club.
I think him and Gooch could also have very bright futures with us. We've also got Brady, Agnew and Robson who all look like they'll play at a high level.
Beadling and Brady have a couple of years to run, everybody else is out of contract at the end of the season apart from Mandron who's 21 and out of contract in January(Doesn't look good for him imo) Edit. Scrap the comment from Mandron. All I can find is that his contract was up last summer with no mention of a new contract anywhere.
I don't think Mandron will make the grade now. I don't think he'll play beyond mid Championship level. I hope he proves me wrong though.
