Sunderland confirm player decision - Cardiff City and MK Dons will be watching | OneFootball

Cardiff City and MK Dons have both been linked with the Sunderland goalkeeper

Cardiff City clinched automatic promotion to the Championship at the first attempt under Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Bluebirds suffered relegation from the second division 12 months ago, but have taken just one year to make their return with a second place finish in League One.

Barry-Murphy was appointed as head coach last summer, and he oversaw an impressive campaign in which his side earned 91 points.

The Welsh outfit finished 14 points clear of third place Stockport County, avoiding the need to fight for promotion through the play-offs quite comfortably.

The club’s attention will now turn to the summer transfer window, where they will be aiming to improve the first team squad.

Cardiff will be keen to ensure they aren’t in a relegation scrap again next season, with their long-term sights set on competing for a place in the Premier League.

Sunderland confirm update on Cardiff City transfer target

Sunderland have confirmed that young goalkeeper Matty Young has agreed a new long-term contract with the club.

It was previously reported earlier this month that Cardiff are keen on the 19-year-old, who has spent the season on loan with Salford City in League Two.

The shot-stopper has put pen to paper on a long-term deal that will keep him at Sunderland until June 2030.

The youngster has spent the last two campaigns with Salford, making a total of 64 league appearances in that time, keeping 23 clean sheets.

Cardiff face competition from MK Dons in the race to sign Young this summer, with a loan deal potentially on the cards.

Paul Warne’s side earned promotion to League One, and will be hoping to strengthen their options in order to maintain their status in the third tier next season.

Young is being targeted by both sides, and his new deal with Sunderland should open the door for a temporary exit again this summer.

While a permanent move is now likely off the table with this four-year contract, another loan could prove quite beneficial for his development.

The Black Cats currently have Robin Roefs as their first-choice option in goals, and he has proven an excellent addition to the squad since arriving last summer following the team’s promotion to the Premier League.

With Anthony Patterson also still a member of the first team, Young will need to go out on loan in the next campaign in order to continue gaining valuable experience.

Matty Young loan to MK Dons makes most sense

Barry-Murphy has proven himself as an excellent coach, particularly for his work with younger players.

However, a move to MK Dons this summer might make the most sense for Young now that the Bluebirds have secured a permanent deal for Nathan Trott, who shone on loan and will be City's undisputed number-one in the Championship next season.

Cardiff also signed Harry Tyrer from Everton in January, which would likely see Young wind up as third-choice in Barry-Murphy's pecking order if any potential move was to play out, and the 19-year-old needs to be playing regularly on loan to make it worth his and Sunderland’s time.

MK Dons can offer a step up to League One, which will give him a fresh challenge after two seasons of competing in League Two, and his performances this year show he may be ready for the third tier.