Sunderland open talks with academy forward Jack Whittaker after Premier League call-up | OneFootball

Sunderland have opened contract talks with academy forward Jack Whittaker following his recent first-team involvement. Sunderland Echo understands that discussions are under way over improved terms.

Whittaker joined at the age of ten after time with Wallsend Boys Club and signed his first professional deal last summer. That contract runs for another year, but club and player are exploring a new agreement.

The forward has 11 goals and two assists in 29 appearances this season, including four in Premier League 2 and five in the Premier League Cup. He has helped Sunderland U21s reach the Premier League Cup final, to face Burnley at the Stadium of Light later this month.

Under Régis Le Bris, his progress has been acknowledged at senior level. He was on the bench for the Premier League match against Brighton, and also among the substitutes for FA Cup ties at Port Vale and Oxford United. The club continue to track pathways from the under-21s to the first team.

Sunderland have prioritised academy development and aim to retain leading prospects, with Whittaker viewed as one of the standouts. He struck twice as Graeme Murty’s side beat Blackburn Rovers 4-2 at the Stadium of Light last month to reach the final, later describing the achievement as unbelievable after a slow start to the season. He said stepping into first-team sessions had sharpened his speed of play and effectiveness, which he felt showed in that display.

Source: Sunderland Echo