Sunderland aiming to tie key man down to new 'long-term' contract

The Sunday Mirror claim the Black Cats are looking to commit O’Nien to a new deal with his current contract due to expire this summer.

O’Nien has starred since Lee Johnson took charge, with the head coach praising his versatility with the ex-Wycombe Wanderers man able to play in midfield, central defence and full-back.

Speaking last month, Johnson said: “I really like Luke, he's the busiest man in living history, which I love, and he's got an infectious personality as well.

"He's a great character.

"I asked him to tell me the three positions he felt he could have the highest ceiling in, i.e to go and play in the Premier League.

"He didn't have a clue. It was eight, ten, two, maybe left-sided centre half and maybe he thinks he can do a job at left back.

"We have to get to grips with what his best position is, for this football club and for my game style.

"He's such a good lad who does so much extra work, and it allows us to plan properly for that extra work. If you give him a task he's like a dog with a bone, and he won't come back until he's the best at it. That's his mentality.”

Sunderland drew 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra on Saturday afternoon, and they are back in action on Tuesday evening when they host Swindon Town at the Stadium of Light.

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