Kristjaan Speakman casts eye over 13-goal star as Liverpool plot Sunderland AFC raid | OneFootball

What Kristjaan Speakman's appearance could mean for the talented 17 year old.

Sunderland's sporting director, Krsitjaan Speakman, watched on at Eppleton as Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi produced a fine performance for the club's under-21s on Saturday afternoon.

The 21-year-old bagged the Black Cats' first goal in the club's Premier League 2 clash with Manchester City with a neat finish, following Joe Anderson's through ball.

Man City went on to win the match 3-2, but Samuel-Ogunsuyi's showing caught the eye in what was rated as a 9/10 performance, according to the Sunderland Echo.

What Kristjaan Speakman's presence means for Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi

Speakman's presence at Eppleton was an intriguing one and could raise several questions given Samuel-Ogunsuyi's recent links with Liverpool.

The striker only signed his first professional deal earlier this year, but the sporting director may be tempted to strike a fresh deal given the Premier League links.

Samuel-Ogunsuyi's form has been phenomenal, and he has sustained a level of consistency in his game, which could persuade Speakman and Regis Le Bris to integrate him into the first team.

Indeed, the teenager has already featured in the first team match day squad on three separate occasions this season, against Plymouth Argyle, Middlesbrough and Millwall.

Although he did not play any minutes in any of those games, the club clearly feel the 17-year-old has a future at first team level.

Sunderland's hierarchy have been keen to hold on to their prized talent in the past, with Chris Rigg, now a first team regular, signing his first professional deal earlier this year.

Furthermore, Tommy Watson is now enjoying a spell of first team football following summer deadline day bids from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Liverpool linked with Trey Ogunsuyi

It has been reported that Liverpool hold an interest in Samuel-Ogunsuyi, due to his current form at development level, according to the Sunderland Echo.

The teenager has represented Sunderland's under-18s and under-21s this season and has bagged eight goals and an assist in the process.

Samuel-Ogunsuyi was a part of Graeme Murty's side last season and chipped in some important goals as the club reached the Premier League 2 play-off final.

The 17-year-old started the campaign in the under-18 set-up but was promoted to the under-21s as Luis 'Hemir' Semedo joined Juventus Next Gen on a season-long loan.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will cement their interest with a bid for the teenager, but such interest might force the Wearsiders' to act in another way.

The interest in another of Sunderland's exciting prospects is flattering, especially when it comes from a club who are flying high at the top of the Premier League.

Samuel-Ogunsuyi is just the latest Black Cats youngster to have been the subject of top tier interest, which shows the strength in the club's academy set-up.