Report: Sunderland pair Chris Maguire and Luke O’Nien set to attract interest in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Sunderland have decisions to make on a number of out-of-contract players, including Chris Maguire and Luke O’Nien.

According to The Northern Echo, Maguire and O’Nien will attract attention in the January transfer window. Both players will be out of contract in summer 2020 and there has been no agreement on extensions yet.

O’Nien joined Sunderland in summer 2018 from Wycombe Wanderers. He had just been promoted with the Chairboys while Sunderland dropped down from the Championship.

Now, Wycombe want O’Nien back. Gareth Ainsworth’s squad can boast top spot in League One while Sunderland remain in mid-table. This could be a mid-season blow for the Black Cats.

Maguire, meanwhile, is likely to attract bids in January despite his form dipping this season. The 30-year-old has still scored six goals this season but he has attracted criticism from some fans.

Sunderland have a number of players out of contract next summer. But it looks like O’Nien and Maguire are the ones likely to attract attention from other clubs in January.

TBR’s view

Sunderland need to think about the short-term and long-term future when making decisions on these two. It might be time to cash in on Maguire if the right offer comes in.

But O’Nien is 25 and one of the most consistent players; whether he operates at right-back or in midfield. Selling him to a potential promotion rival would be a mistake.