Championship duo Preston North End and Stoke City will go toe-to-toe with one another to try and sign Sunderland stalwart Lynden Gooch before the transfer window closes, according to the latest reports.
Sports Illustrated‘s Sunderland Nation are claiming that Gooch has been told his contract will be left to expire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, leaving the American in limbo about his future at the Stadium of Light.
Having been with the club since the age of 10, seeing few highs and many lows, Gooch’s time at Sunderland may be coming to an abrupt end within the next 24 hours and the outlet are reporting that former boss Alex Neil is keen to take him to Stoke City but will need to fend off competition from Ryan Lowe’s Preston first.
Speaking on the issue at the start of the month, Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray hinted that the club wouldn’t stop Gooch from leaving should the right offer pop up [quotes via the72]:
“I think my own view is about the individuals, the players.
“If there’s an understanding that the players are going to leave- either want to leave or feel as though they’re not required- then I think my first thought is always about the human being and their families, and what’s right for them.
Less than two weeks ago, journalist Alan Nixon revealed on Twitter/X that Queens Park Rangers were also interested in signing the United States international but only for the right price.
Writer’s View
Gooch has spent the beginning of the season hampered by injuries but is generally a useful squad player, capable of playing in midfield, on the flanks and in defence.
However, the 27-year-old’s time with the Black Cats looks to be coming to an unfortunate end, having given almost two-thirds of his life to the club.
Gooch could be wearing another club’s colours by tomorrow night.
