Transfer news: EFL promotion hopefuls plot summer loan raid for Sunderland starlet
Sunderland starlet Matty Young is reportedly a transfer target for MK Dons.
League Two promotion hopefuls MK Dons are plotting a summer loan swoop for Sunderland goalkeeper Matty Young, according to reports.
The promising stopper is a product of the Black Cats’ celebrated academy system, and is currently enjoying a stellar spell with Salford City, who themselves are pushing for a play-off spot in the fourth tier.
Having spent last season at the Peninsula Stadium, Young returned to the Ammies during the summer transfer window, and has since established himself as Karl Robinson’s de facto number one, keeping nine clean sheets across 34 outings in all competitions this term.
Speaking after his return to Salford back in July, Young told the club’s in-house media team: “I think knowing what I am capable of and my ability on the pitch, I think there is more expectation now with what I can go and deliver on a match day. I have set very high expectations on myself to go and push on, and to be the best keeper in the league this year. I think the lads will be pushing for automatics this year, if not, the play-offs, so that is something that me and the team will be looking forward to, and that is the end goal at the end of the day.”
And it would appear that his performances in recent times have piqued the interest of another EFL suitor, with Alan Nixon reporting that MK Dons are now casting an eye over Young ahead of a potential approach at the end of the season.
It is understood that Paul Warne’s side would be keen on securing a deal for the 19-year-old if they can book their place in League One next term, with the expectation being that his parent club’s Premier League status vastly reduces his chances of breaking into the first team at the Stadium of Light on a consistent basis any time soon.
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What is Sunderland’s goalkeeper situation at the time of writing?
As things stand, Young is one of five senior goalkeeping options Sunderland theoretically have available to them heading into next season. Dutch international Robin Roefs has emerged as Regis Le Bris’ first choice since his arrival from NEC Nijmegen in the aftermath of the club’s promotion to the Premier League, and he is backed up by young Swedish talent Melker Ellborg, who signed for the Black Cats during the January window. The duo are supported by experienced third choice Simon Moore.
Elsewhere, Anthony Patterson is currently out on loan at Millwall, and it remains to be seen where he will be playing his football next season. The 25-year-old has kept two clean sheets in his first three matches for Alex Neil’s side, who are currently third in the table, one point adrift of the automatic promotion places.
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