Sunderland have recently been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Troy Parrott, and the Republic of Ireland international could be a superb addition to Alex Neil’s side this summer.
Following their League One play-off final victory against Wycombe Wanderers, the Black Cats have worked quickly to secure some exciting new signings, including Dominic Ballard, Leon Dajaku, Jack Clarke and Aji Alese.
All of these players are 22 or younger and arrive from top-division clubs, emphasising the route that Sunderland are trying to go down as they target a successful first season back in the Championship.
Parrott, who reportedly earns £15k-p/w at Spurs, would certainly fit that mould; and after an excellent loan spell with MK Dons last season, there seems little to suggest that he isn’t ready to make his mark in the Championship.
The Black Cats were first linked with the 20-year-old last week, with reports suggesting that they are keen on bringing him in on loan, although they could face competition from Preston, QPR and Middlesbrough.
Parrott is currently away with Spurs in South Korea, where he is no doubt being assessed by Antonio Conte, and he is clearly doing his best to impress as he led the brutal fitness sessions run by the 52-year-old.
Would Parrott be a good signing?
If the Irish youngster were to arrive at the Stadium of Light this summer, he could prove to be the next Ross Stewart, who has been heavily linked with Rangers after his superb 2021/22 campaign for the Black Cats.
The Scottish forward hit 26 league goals en route to promotion last term, and while Neil will no doubt be desperate to keep Stewart at the Stadium of Light, Parrott could be a great alternative to the former Ross County man should he depart.
During his spell at MK Dons, the Irish forward contributed nine goals and six assists in League One, helping Liam Manning’s side to reach the play-offs in what was comfortably the best season of his career thus far.
He earned a lot of praise from team-mate Conor Coventry, who said: “I’m not surprised by how good he is. The way he’s been working for the team has been incredible, and it shows that he is still developing and learning.
