Sunderland ‘to battle’ Arsenal and Man City for youth international defender

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·29. März 2026

Sunderland ‘to battle’ Arsenal and Man City for youth international defender

Sunderland are among several Premier League sides monitoring Hearts prospect Alfie Osborne.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Manchester City sent scouts to watch him for Scotland U19s in midweek. Despite a 3-0 defeat to Italy, he was widely viewed as a standout at the back.

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Osborne, 17, has impressed in Hearts’ youth ranks this term, switching from central midfield to centre-half.

Leeds United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham are also said to be tracking him, with recent scouting trips of their own.

Because of his age, English clubs could sign him for a compensation fee understood to be under £250,000. Hearts want to keep him and have offered a long-term deal in Edinburgh. Osborne is understood to be open to leaving, which could spark a battle for his signature this summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo