Leeds United and Leicester City among clubs keen on Sunderland star | OneFootball

Leeds United and Leicester City are among the "admirers" of Sunderland full-back Trai Hume, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The Black Cats' starlet has been impressive in recent years, establishing himself as a crucial cog in his side's machine last term and even scoring a goal in the play-off semi-final against Luton Town.

Unfortunately for the Wearside club, they were unable to secure promotion in the end, but Hume has continued to shine for them and is attracting plenty of interest at the moment.

Establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet, he has been able to be a key player under Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale and Mike Dodds this term, which is an excellent achievement for him and just goes to show how highly rated he is at the Stadium of Light.

But like some others, including Jack Clarke, he could potentially be on his way out of the club at the end of the season with the Black Cats set to miss out on the play-offs at the end of the campaign.

Signing a contract extension back in the summer, his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, with the club also holding the option to extend his stay on Wearside by an extra year.

Aston Villa, Leeds United and Leicester City keen on Trai Hume

There are five teams that are reported to be keen on right-back Hume, including Leeds, who will be in need of a player in this position during the summer after Connor Roberts returns to Burnley.

With Djed Spence also leaving in January, cutting his loan spell short, and Luke Ayling set to depart this summer, competition for Archie Gray will be required.

Leicester are also thought to be keen on him, with the Foxes not having a huge number of options at right-back and Hamza Choudhury looking vulnerable in this position at times.

Premier League clubs Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth and Serie A outfit Napoli are the other clubs believed to be admirers of the Northern Irishman.

Sunderland must take a strong stance on Trai Hume

Although their model is likely to be based on selling players for a high profit - and that's something they look set to do with Hume - they must take a strong stance on the Black Cats' star and not let him go easily.

The club needs to keep the core of the squad together - that's the only way they will be able to give themselves a chance of being successful in the long term.

If both Clarke and Hume leave in the summer, it could be damaging to their chances of making a return to the top flight anytime soon.

But if the Black Cats can take a strong stance on Hume, it could either mean that they are able to keep him, or they could generate a huge amount for his signature.