Leeds United handed summer transfer ‘target’ warning as Sunderland look to keep stars
The Whites have been linked with a move for Sunderland defender Trai Hume in the summer transfer windo
Leeds United could have a battle on their hands if the decide to firm up their reported interest in Sunderland full-back Trai Hume. The Northern Ireland defender has had another solid season at the Stadium of Light, and has attracted interest from the likes of Leeds, Leicester City, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
The Whites signed Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley in the January transfer window, but with Luke Ayling set to leave the club permanently and Archie Gray looking to develop his more natural midfield role, Leeds could again be in the market for a right-back in the summer.
However, interim Sunderland manager Mike Dodds has warned potential suitors that the Black Cats are keen to keep hold of their best young players, despite interest in Hume, former Leeds youngster Jack Clarke, Dan Ballard, Dan Neil and goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Dodds is a big fan of Hume, but wants him at the Stadium of Light for many years to come.
“Trai is a real positive to the recruitment of this football club,” Dodds said. “You sign him for, and I mean with his the greatest of respect, what is essentially peanuts in the modern-day market and for me he’s one of the best full backs in the league. He’s a huge, huge asset and one the club needs to do everything to keep for as long as possible.”
“We want to keep hold of our best players, recruit some more players and have a little bit more depth in a lot of the key areas of the football club. I am sure they’re priorities for everyone involved at the football club.”
