Sunderland ‘to battle’ Arsenal and Man City for Scotland U19 defender Alfie Osborne | OneFootball

Sunderland are among several English sides, including Premier League clubs, tracking Hearts teenager Alfie Osborne, TEAMtalk reports. The 17-year-old has emerged as a target after impressing at centre-back this season.

The Tynecastle prospect has shifted from central midfield to defence for Hearts’ youth sides, and his form has drawn renewed attention.

Scouts from Arsenal and Manchester City watched him for Scotland U19s in midweek, and despite a 3-0 defeat by Italy, the report said he stood out at the back.

Sunderland, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham are also monitoring the defender and have sent their own scouts recently.

Given his age, English clubs could recruit him for cross-border compensation understood to be under £250,000. Hearts want to avoid that and have pushed a long-term deal in Edinburgh. It is understood Osborne is open to leaving, which could trigger a summer fight for his signature.

Source: Sunderland Echo