Transfer news: Wrexham plot summer raids for Sunderland and Newcastle United starlets
Sunderland pair Jenson Jones and Finn Geragusian are reportedly on Wrexham’s radar.
Precocious Sunderland duo Jenson Jones and Finn Geragusian are attracting transfer interest from Championship play-off hopefuls Wrexham, according to reports.
The Welsh club currently sit sixth in the second tier, and are eyeing a fourth consecutive promotion under ex-Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson. Aside from their lofty ambitions on the pitch, however, it is also understood that the Red Dragons are keen to bolster their developmental system in an effort to compete with more established academies in the upper echelons of the English footballing pyramid.
To that end, online outlet TEAMtalk claim that Wrexham are plotting a quadruple raid on the North East this summer, with Jones and Geragusian amongst those on their radars. Alongside the Sunderland pair, it is stated that Newcastle United winger Matheos Ferreira and Middlesbrough forward Sonny Finch are also possible targets.
For his part, Jones has impressed frequently from right-back during his time with Graemy Murty’s U21s on Wearside in recent times, and even featured for Regis Le Bris’ first team squad during their preseason preparations last summer. So far this term, he has been included in four Premier League matchday squads.
As for Geragusian, the 18-year-old continues to catch the eye at the Academy of Light with his free-scoring performances at youth level. So far this term, he has found the back of the net 13 times across 25 outings for both the U18s and the U21s, and has been rewarded for his efforts with a first-ever senior call-up to the Armenian national team - despite the fact that he is yet to feature for Sunderland’s first team.
Addressing the decision to include the Black Cats’ prospect in his plans, national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan said: “I called Finn up to see what he is capable of in senior football and to evaluate his future in the national team. He has good qualities and is the type of striker I need. But he is still very young, has not played at senior level and is not ready for the national team yet.
“We are calling him up to help with that transition and give him a push in his development. At the moment we have a huge problem in the attacking line, so I am looking at every possible option. I’m not very satisfied with the strikers we currently have. Araik Eloyan, for example, needs to improve a lot if he wants to play for the national team.”
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
What has Finn Geragusian said about his progress at Sunderland?
Speaking last year, Geragusian admitted that he was very content with his situation on Wearside, stating: "I’m very pleased with my progress over the past two years. It was an obvious decision for me to continue my journey here. I’m grateful to the coaches for their trust. I know there’s still a long way to go, but I will keep working hard to earn more opportunities."
Your next Sunderland read: 'I found a home' – Patrick Roberts issues final emotional goodbye to Sunderland fans after Birmingham move