Sunderland ‘to battle’ Arsenal and Man City for youth international defender | OneFootball

Sunderland are monitoring Hearts prospect Alfie Osborne amid interest from several Premier League rivals.

TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal and Manchester City sent scouts to watch the 17-year-old for Scotland U19s in midweek, and despite a 3-0 defeat by Italy, the consensus was that he delivered a standout display in defence.

Osborne has impressed in Hearts' youth ranks at Tynecastle this season after moving from central midfield to a role in defence.

Other clubs, including Leeds United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham, are also said to be tracking him, with recent scouting trips understood to have taken place.

Because of his age, English clubs could sign him for a compensation fee believed to be under £250,000.

Hearts want to avoid that scenario and have moved to secure a long-term deal in Edinburgh, but it is understood Osborne is open to a departure, a stance that could trigger a summer battle for his signature.

Source: Sunderland Echo