Sunderland open talks on new deal for academy forward Jack Whittaker | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands that the club are in talks with academy forward Jack Whittaker over a new contract.

Whittaker joined Sunderland at the age of 10 from Wallsend Boys Club and signed his first professional deal last summer. That agreement runs for another year, and both parties are now discussing fresh terms.

He has been a standout for the academy this season, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in 29 appearances. That includes four in Premier League Two and five in the Premier League Cup, and he has helped the U21s reach a final against Burnley at the Stadium of Light later this month.

His progress has been noted by Régis Le Bris, with Whittaker named on the bench for the Premier League match against Brighton. He was also among the substitutes for FA Cup ties at Port Vale and Oxford United, as the club continue to prioritise a clear pathway from youth to senior football.

After firing the U21s into the Premier League Cup final with a 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers, Whittaker said the achievement felt unbelievable following a slow start to the season. He added that recent time with the first team has sharpened his speed of play and effectiveness, and that scoring in an advanced role in front of home fans was a special moment.

Source: Sunderland Echo