Amad Diallo on the move in January? Transfer talk addressed as Man Utd winger sees return to Sunderland speculated on after injury

The highly-rated Ivorian winger caught the eye when taking in a loan spell at Sunderland last season. He hit 14 goals for the Black Cats as they made their way into the Championship play-offs. The intention was to stake a claim for regular game time at Old Trafford in 2023-24.

Amad suffered a knee injury in pre-season and has not been seen since. Youngsters such as Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo have seen game time for United under Erik ten Hag, suggesting that Amad would have got a look in had he been fit – especially with Jadon Sancho out of favour and Antony struggling for form.

He may be given a chance to rebuild form and fitness elsewhere in 2024, with there suggestions that he could return to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has said of those reports: “You are asking the wrong person to be honest. I don't know what the plans are for January at the moment, we haven't really discussed it yet. I would imagine, if he's going to be fit, he'll be going off to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don't think he'd be available for the whole of January. Let's see what the club are thinking of how we are doing by then.”

Sunderland are pushing for a top-six finish again this season, and Amad would certainly aid their cause were he to head back to the North East. United could find a role for him, though, with Ten Hag still crying out for creativity and goal threat in the final third of the field.