Sunderland are reportedly interested in Celtic youth star Daniel Cummings, but face competition from a fellow Championship side and other top-flight clubs for his signature.
Cummings, who is 18 years old, has been The Bhoys’ standout player in their youth ranks and is averaging over a goal a game for the Celtic B side in their league and in Europe. He put his name on the score sheet again yesterday as the Glasgow club played Belgian side Club Brugge in the UEFA Youth League.
Black Cats Find New Striker Target
A new forward has been a major target for Regis Le Bris since taking over at the Stadium of Light, with a move for Caen striker Alexandre Mendy collapsing at the final hurdle and instead saw Wilson Isidor come in on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg. The Frenchman has already contributed five goals in 14 matches for the Wearside club as they challenge at the top of the Championship.
According to Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke, Sunderland are an interested party in signing Cummings and have scouted the player, but face strong competition from the Premier League, with Wolves, Fulham and Ipswich also named. Fellow Championship side Burnley are also reported to be monitoring the 18-year-old.
The Clarets have been struggling in the striking department this season, with Lyle Foster being injured for over a month and still some way away from a return, whilst Jay Rodriguez has only scored once in 12 matches. 22-year-old Andreas Hountondji has yet to score since joining this summer.
Writer’s View
Sunderland seem to have found a new striking choice but this feels like it may be unlikely for them to get Daniel Cummings in this transfer battle. He is currently thriving at Celtic and undoubtedly his best path of progression is through The Bhoys’ system and emerging as a first-team option in future. With the record he has, he may even be handed a chance by Brendan Rogers as the season continues. The Black Cats have a great number of options for their number nine position, with Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda and Aaron Connoly all more than capable of being a reliable, consistent choice. If Cummings was to move, a move to Burnley would be more logical as he could become a successor to an ageing Jay Rodriguez.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
