“He must…” - Ex-Sunderland boss sends message to Dan Ballard amid Everton transfer links | OneFootball

Simon Grayson has advised Dan Ballard to continue to benefit from playing regularly for Sunderland after the defender was linked with Everton earlier this year.

The 24-year-old joined the Black Cats in the summer of 2022, and even though he endured an injury-hit first season, his quality was clear.

Ballard’s improvement has continued in the current campaign, despite Sunderland’s struggles as they’ve failed to sustain a push for the play-off places.

The Northern Ireland international has been a reliable figure in defence, impressing with his power and no-nonsense style, and he has also shown composure in bringing the ball out from the back.

Dan Ballard transfer latest

Therefore, it’s perhaps no surprise that Ballard is emerging as a transfer target for clubs in the Premier League, as it was claimed that Everton are keeping tabs on the defender.

The Toffees could potentially cash in on England hopeful Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, amid interest from Manchester United, which would provide them with a significant profit.

So, they would then be in the market for a replacement, and Ballard is thought to have admirers at Goodison Park.

Simon Grayson on Dan Ballard

From Sunderland’s perspective, they are a club who should have ambitions of reaching the top flight themselves so selling Ballard would be a real blow, particularly as there are major doubts over another influential player in Jack Clarke.

But, we know that money talks and all clubs in the Football League will be vulnerable to losing players if Premier League sides come knocking.

Obviously, for Ballard, the chance to make the jump to the highest level is going to appeal.

Yet, speaking to Betway, ex-Black Cats boss Grayson suggested that the ex-Arsenal youngster should be in no rush to leave the Stadium of Light and that he should value the experience he is getting by playing regularly on Wearside.

He said: “He's proved he's a good defender, had a good season and gained international experience with Northern Ireland.

"He had a good upbringing with Arsenal, so has been taught the right way. He must continue to perform at Sunderland and then depending on what offer comes in, the club can review it. The more experience at Championship level, the better for a player like him.”

Sunderland’s summer plans

It’s shaping up to be a critical summer for Sunderland, as they need to bring in a new head coach, and it’s clear that certain areas of the squad desperately need improving.

There’s a real spotlight on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, as they need to get these big decisions right.

The call to sack Tony Mowbray was not a popular one. Similarly, the decision to turn to Michael Beale was not what the fans wanted, and they’ve both proven to be big mistakes by the club.

With that in mind, there isn’t much faith in the hierarchy that they will get it right over the next few months, but they really need to if Sunderland are to be pushing for promotion again next season - which has to be the aim.

In an ideal world, Ballard would stay to be part of the squad to do that, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out and if they can keep hold of the talented centre-back.