The contract decision that could be a no-brainer for Lee Johnson as he seeks a new-look Sunderland

It’s something which is clearly on Lee Johnson’s mind.
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In his first press conference of the New Year, held hours before the transfer window opened, the Sunderland head coach alluded to the fact that this month could bring ‘late and fast’ approaches for those players out of contract in the summer.

The Black Cats have no fewer than 19 players out of contract come the summer, and as we head deeper into the transfer window, vultures may start to circle some of the club’s prize assets.

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We have, of course, seen this before. The Josh Maja saga still lingers too clearly in the mind for many.

Jack Diamond sees his current Sunderland deal expire this summerJack Diamond sees his current Sunderland deal expire this summer
Jack Diamond sees his current Sunderland deal expire this summer

And there are some players who may well be attracting admiring glances from elsewhere this month, and perhaps none more so than Jack Diamond.

To liken Diamond to Maja is perhaps unfair, given that the striker had a far more profound impact on the first team prior to his departure to Bordeaux in 2019 – just months before his contract was set to expire.

But the 20-year-old has been one of the shining lights of Johnson’s time at the club so far and has added a different dimension to the club’s attack. Such performances may well have attracted the odd glance from elsewhere.

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There is still work to be done, of course. Diamond himself is eager to keep improving and Johnson has said the youngster has ‘megabucks’ of work to do. Yet there is a confidence that what the academy graduate is lacking can be coached into him and gained through further exposure to the first-team fold.

A new contract for the winger, therefore, should be a priority for Sunderland.

It’s sensible to leave a number of other contract decisions until the end of the term, given much will depend on the club’s divisional status.

But in Diamond, Sunderland have a player who could have a long-term impact regardless of the division the Black Cats find themselves in.

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The Echo understands that no talks have yet taken place with Diamond over a new contract – but that the 20-year-old would be keen to extend his stay on Wearside.

And that – coupled with his ability and potential – means a new contract seems something of a no-brainer.

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