Chris Waddle: Sunderland ‘could sell’ Dan Ballard this summer | OneFootball

"Listen, if his team's looking at him at the minute, Sunderland don't need to sell. But they probably will, because that's the way their format's gone now."

Chris Waddle told BetVictor.

Ballard joined from Arsenal in summer 2022 and has made over 100 appearances across all competitions. He leads Sunderland for clearances with 180 and aerial duels won with 101, and is third for passes completed on 845. He is under contract until 2029, with an additional option year.

"So, I think if the offers are big enough for any of these players who've had a good season, let's be honest, a great season, then they will consider the price is right. There's no doubt about that. But I've not heard anybody after him."

"There'll be a lot of people, scouts around the big clubs, not just in England, who will be marking and ticking and thinking, 'Do we test the water with a bid?' Because I do believe they would sell."

For now, Ballard and Sunderland focus on the Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Source: Sunderland Echo