Amad Diallo transfer talks confirmed as Man Utd mull over what to do with ‘tier one player’ before January window deadline

The Ivory Coast international starred during a loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season, helping the Black Cats into the Championship play-offs. He had been hoping to enjoy a breakthrough year at Old Trafford in 2023-24, but a knee injury scuppered those plans last summer.

Amad has returned to fitness and has seen minutes for United, but another loan move is being mooted for the talented 21-year-old in a bid to help him rediscover his best form. Sunderland would be happy to throw open their doors again, but concede that they will face competition for a much sought-after signature if a switch is to be sanctioned.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has said in the Northern Echo: “The situation with Amad is really clear. We’ve got a really positive relationship with the boy and his people, we’ve got a really positive relationship with Manchester United and I think everyone was really delighted on all sides with what happened last season. Do we think he’s a player that could come and improve our team? Yes. Have we inquired about him? Yes. Have we kept in contact? Of course we have. If we hadn’t kept in contact about him, my head might be on a stake at the beach.

“That’s where it’s at. If that picture changes in any shape or form, then we’ll be on it and we’ll understand where it sits. That doesn’t mean that even if he became available we would get him though, because as I’ve said on numerous occasions, I think he’s a tier one player so he’s probably going to be playing in one of the top leagues somewhere. He’s a tier one player. I think we’d be lucky if we got him on loan again because of the level he can play at. I know he enjoyed it, and that’s great. How fantastic that we had a top player came to Sunderland and thoroughly enjoyed his time with supporters, staff and team-mates.”

Amad has made no secret of his desire to make a positive impression at United, and opportunities may come his way under Erik ten Hag as questions continue to be asked of the contribution made by Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho to the Red Devils’ collective cause.