Sunderland are reportedly eyeing up a move to sign Preston North End loanee Liam Millar amid fears over the future of winger Jack Clarke.
PNE fans have probably expected to hear rumours about Liam Millar’s future for a while now.
North End pounced to sign Millar on loan from Basel on deadline day, luring him to Deepdale with no option for a permanent move.
The Canadian has dazzled down the left flank for PNE, even when asked to play as a wing back when he would much rather play further up the pitch.
Millar has brought speed and dynamism to this North End side, proving to be one of few players who can run at defenders and go past them in the final third.
The 24-year-old has bagged three goals and four assists for PNE this season and whilst fans would love to see him sign permanently, North End’s budget may be a problem.
Fans have been fearing Championship competition for Millar’s signature after a string of superb displays – and it looks like that battle is on the horizon.
Sunderland interested in signing PNE loanee Liam Millar
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports that Sunderland are now interested in signing Millar as they look at potential replacements for Jack Clarke.
Star wide man Clarke is a wanted man with Brentford interested, and Sunderland have whacked a huge £18million asking price on his head.
Clarke may well move on this month and Sunderland are now looking at Millar having been impressed with his displays this season.
Sunderland certainly have spending power beyond North End and fans will now be losing hope of seeing Millar in a PNE shirt for the long term.
The report suggests that Sunderland could make a move for Millar this month, which would mean Basel recalling him to sell him on.
PNE would surely put up a fight against that idea as losing Millar in the middle of the season would be a hammer blow.
Captain Alan Browne has hailed Millar as ‘unbelievable’ and this PNE side would be much worse off without him.
Parent club Basel have been in financial trouble for a while and are suffering a real fall from grace, currently sitting second-bottom of the table in Switzerland.
A hefty cash offer would surely tempt Basel into selling and if there is even a glimmer of hope that PNE can pull off a permanent move right now, we would love to see it happen – arguably more so than any new recruit.