Sunderland have joined one of Spain’s biggest clubs in their pursuit of a former Chelsea starlet.
Sunderland are in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements this summer, having really struggled to create chances or score goals last season.
Jack Clarke is likely to earn a move to the Premier League, while Patrick Roberts and Abdoullah Ba’s form certainly wont fill the club or fans with much hope.
While supporters are eager to see the club invest in more experience, it appears their eye for youth isn’t going to end anytime soon.
According to Esport Base Media, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Valencia’s 22-year-old winger Declan Frith.
While Frith is older than a number of Sunderland players, he is yet to play a minute of senior football.
The ‘excellent‘ England-born star came up through the academy ranks at Chelsea and Aston Villa, netting eight goals and providing seven assists for the latter’s U23 side.
He was released last summer and went onto link up with Valencia’s reserve side three months later.
Frith was initially a left-back, but has now spent most of his youth career further up the pitch.
He has made 14 appearances for Valencia CF Mestalla this season, but only started two games and netted once.
Sunderland join race to sign Declan Frith
Despite his lack of game-time, there is plenty of interest in Frith’s signature.
Sunderland are the latest team to join the race for Frith, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month.
Watford and ‘several’ other Championship teams are keen on the player, but they also face competition from Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
It is believed that the latter are leading the race to sign him and consider him ready to be integrated into the first squad, while Madrid would prefer to add him to their B team.
Despite heavy interest, the report claims that Frith would prefer to stay in Valencia. However, the Spanish outfit are unsure whether to extend his contract as they would be forced to double his salary.
His inconsistent performances and wage increase have left the board uncertain, though they are also considering extending his contract so they are able to sell him in the future.
Would the 22-year-old be another underwhelming signing?
Declan Frith’s versatility would be very useful to Sunderland, having already played as a centre forward, right winger, left winger, right midfielder, left midfielder and left-back in his short career.
However, given that he is already 22, it feels like they would be signing a player who is already much further back in his development than a number of players on Wearside that are of a similar age.
Frith is yet to make his mark on senior football and would have a lot of developing to do if Sunderland were to sign him.
While he may have some potential, the Black Cats already have the likes of Ba and Jewison Bennette who also need to prove themselves.
Sunderland don’t need more young, inexperienced attackers, but instead need players who can drive the club to promotion.