Kevin Phillips says Sunderland cannot afford to sell Noah Sadiki | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Kevin Phillips says it is hugely important Sunderland keep hold of Noah Sadiki amid Manchester United interest.

The 21-year-old joined from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer and has quickly become a mainstay for head coach Regis Le Bris in Sunderland’s first season back in the Premier League.

Phillips described the DR Congo international as one of the team’s most influential performers alongside Granit Xhaka and said his absence at AFCON was felt on Wearside.

He argued that it would take an extraordinary offer to even tempt Sunderland, adding that there is no thought of letting him go. Sadiki was hailed as a quality midfielder with a huge future, with Phillips likening his build and role to N’Golo Kante at Leicester.

Phillips believes Sadiki’s importance has grown since his return from the tournament and called him the engine of the midfield.

Source: Sunderland Echo