Sunderland in talks to tie Patrick Roberts down to new deal

Sunderland are keen to tie Patrick Roberts down to a new contract this summer and talks are already underway.

Roberts has been a revelation for Sunderland since joining on a free transfer from Manchester City 18 months ago. He played a crucial part in getting the Black Cats out of League One and went on to showcase his obvious talents again in the Championship.

His form was so good, in fact, that Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray often hailed the 26-year-old as the best player in the division.

However, he has now entered the final year of the two-year deal he signed last summer, and the club are braced for potential Premier League interest.

The intention is very much to keep Roberts on Wearside, though, and Roberts is thought to be keen to extend his stay at the club too.

Roberts’ agent, Adam Roberts, revealed last season that he was incredibly happy at Sunderland, especially with Tony Mowbray at the helm.

“I don’t know what has gone on in the past at Sunderland but from our experience with them, all promises have been kept,” Adam Roberts told the Sunderland Echo. “Speaking to the club and to Kristjaan Speakman has been quality.

“At the moment it all seems like it is a massive buzz. They are playing good football in front of huge attendances. You can’t complain, really, can you?”

“Patrick’s relationship with Mowbray is really good. He is such an honest guy and tells Patrick to go out and express himself which is perfect for a player with flair.

“Sometimes when he has been left out of the team was because Amad was doing so well, so you can’t complain but Mowbray’s found a way of getting them both in the team now and look at the football they are playing.

“I think you just have to take it game-by-game but looking back on his career, I’ve not seen him involved with a better team that plays as good as football. Some of the football I have seen Sunderland play this season has been ridiculous.

“There’s a few goals that should have been up for the Puskas award. For Patrick, he is back playing consistently and he is really enjoying it. He’s happy.”

Read more Sunderland news