Sunderland is bracing for increased Premier League interest.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland is bracing for increased Premier League interest in key players after learning that Burnley is interested in defender Dan Ballard.

The 24-year-old is in his second season at the Stadium of Light, having joined from Arsenal in 2022. He has started all 11 Championship games this season, scoring twice.

His form with the Black Cats has piqued the curiosity of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who came close to signing the centre-back on a permanent contract while they were still in the Championship. It was reported at the time that he was on his way to Turf Moor from Arsenal, but Sunderland jumped in at the last minute to clinch his signature.

Burnley are already looking forward to the January transfer market as they attempt to strengthen their squad ahead of the conclusion of the season, and the manager is searching for defensive reinforcements as he looks to secure their Premier League place for another year.

Nixon adds that the Lancashire club is checking on his availability, but that it would ‘take a significant fee’ to entice Tony Mowbray’s side to sell, especially because they are seeking a promotion charge themselves.

It’s not the first time the Wearside team has piqued the interest of last season’s Championship winners. Throughout the summer, they attempted to hire Jack Clarke and had three proposals rejected, totaling more than £10 million. Nixon also reports that Brentford, another Premier League club, is interested in the winger and may launch their own £15 million bid after Christmas.

Both players were in the team that lost 4-0 to local rivals Middlesbrough yesterday, with Dan Neil’s sending off on the stroke of half time with the score still 0-0 proving crucial. Following that, Ballard stated:

“I think the first half of the game was pretty good. It was quite even, and I didn’t think they had many chances. I’d say we had the best chance of the game, and it was a pretty good football game. The first half was delightful until the final kick, when the referee sent Dan Neil off and the game changed.

“I think we could have managed the situation better definitely but it’s obviously tough trying to play 45 minutes with 10 men and towards the end you could see it took a lot out of us and we are extremely disappointed with the result.”

Sunderland are fourth going into the international break and will go to struggling Stoke City in less than two weeks.

Author’s Opinion

Sunderland’s recent form has ensured that their players have always piqued the interest of Premier League clubs. However, they are a club that should arguably be playing in the top flight and are aiming to return to the top flight after a seven-year sabbatical at the end of this season.

Those fighting for their lives in January are sure to come calling, but Sunderland are in a situation where they don’t need to sell. However, if they do not gain promotion this season, they may struggle to keep several of their key players next summer.