Sunderland ‘could rival’ Arsenal and Man City for Alfie Osborne | OneFootball

Sunderland are among Premier League sides monitoring Hearts youngster Alfie Osborne, according to TEAMtalk.

The 17-year-old has impressed in Hearts’ youth ranks at Tynecastle this season, shifting from midfield into central defence and catching the eye.

Arsenal and Manchester City had scouts at Scotland U19s in midweek to watch him, and despite a 3-0 defeat to Italy he was viewed as a standout performer, the report added.

Leeds United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham are also said to have made recent checks on the defender.

Given his age, current rules mean English clubs could sign him for a compensation fee believed to be under £250,000.

Hearts are keen to avoid that scenario and have moved to tie him to a new long-term deal in Edinburgh. Osborne is understood to be open to a departure, which could spark a summer scramble for his signature.

Source: Sunderland Echo