EFL boss admits Sunderland winger transfer interest ahead of summer contract call

Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson remains interested in a permanent deal for Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond during the summer transfer window.

Diamond had not played any competitive football since a loan switch to Lincoln City was curtailed in March of last year when the 24-year-old was charged with rape and sexual assault and suspended by Sunderland.

Diamond was subsequently cleared of all charges at Newcastle Crown Court last year and returned to the Academy of Light before joining Carlisle United on loan until the end of the current campaign. The winger has featured 12 times for the League One side but is yet to register a goal

“I’ve probably expected too much of Jack after the length of time he’s been out not playing games,” said Carlisle boss Simpson when asked about signing Diamond this summer. “He’s found it difficult at times, but there’s a footballer there, a really talented one.

“He’s under contract at Sunderland, they have an option with him, so we’ll wait and see what happens with that come the end of the season, and it may be part of the whole recruitment job – which I can assure everybody will be a big recruitment job in the summer.”

“It’s the physical and emotional side,” added the Carlisle boss. “He has been dragged through the mud with what’s gone on [Diamond fought rape and sexual assault charges and was found not guilty in January].

“Hopefully he’ll be able to come through it. Just as we as a club will be stronger for the experience this season, I’m quite sure he’ll be stronger.”