Inside track on future of Sunderland and Wolves defender Dion Sanderson amid Cardiff City interest

The defender is on loan from Wolves and the centre-back has already stated he’d prefer to remain at the Stadium of Light on loan for the rest of the campaign.

But could that situation change before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday, February 1?

It was one of the questions in our latest Q&A with Sunderland writer Phil Smith. This is what Phil had to say:

Will Dion Sanderson stay to complete the season?

Phil Smith: “Cardiff City reportedly tried to swoop for Sanderson earlier in the window but Johnson has been relaxed whenever asked about the situation.

At one stage in the campaign, it looked very much as if Sanderson would return to Wolves in this window.

Despite widespread surprise and enthusiasm when the Black Cats signed him on deadline day (he was only available as a Championship move fell through), gametime was limited and Wolves were understandably frustrated.

Johnson quickly established that he wanted to keep Sanderson and so held positive talks with Wolves.

Though not initially involved in Johnson’s first teams, the head coach convinced Wolves that the fixture schedule would present opportunities and that his development would be well served by staying on Wearside.

With Jordan Willis managing a knee problem and other injuries hampering the Black Cats defence, Johnson is already beginning to be proved right on that front.

Sanderson himself has said he is happy to stay.

Wolves still have the recall option, so the issue is not settled definitively, but it does not appear to be a concern for Johnson.”

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