Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris reveals Tommy Watson message following rejected Brighton bids | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris reveals he spoke to Tommy Watson in the summer, amid Premier League interest.

Regis Le Bris has revealed what he said to youngster, Tommy Watson, following the club's decision to resist interest from Premier League suitors in the summer.

Watson announced himself as Sunderland's newest hero, with his first two senior goals proving decisive in the Black Cats' 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday.

The 18-year-old's brace was enough to get the Mackems back to winning ways, which was a much-needed boost to promotion hopes. Following his performance, Le Bris revealed the details of the conversation he had with the attacking midfielder in the summer, that ultimately kept him at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris reveals Tommy Watson summer transfer message

Amid Premier League interest in the summer, with Brighton having bids in the region of £2 million turned down on deadline day, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris revealed that he spoke to the breakout star, assuring him that opportunities would arise over the course of the season, which in turn convinced him to stay put on Wearside.

The Frenchman told the Sunderland Echo after his two-goal salvo against Stoke: "We had many conversations.

"The identity of the club and the squad is designed so he would get opportunities. We don't have a big squad with many experienced players, so especially in this league with 46 games and with many options to play, I knew before he'd have opportunities.

"You have to deserve these opportunities, but the squad is designed for that. It [his talent] was very clear [from day one]. He's very powerful. He likes playing one vs one. He can lose a duel, but the next one he will try again."

The exciting youngster has made nine appearances in the Championship this season, out of a possible 19. This has proved that Le Bris has kept his word, and the French manager wants his new star to keep earning opportunities.

When asked about what Watson must do to keep up his newly-found place in the first-team, Le Bris said: "Players always need time to adapt, so far Tommy has developed very fast.

"We need that kind of profile. I like it. When you have a winger with the ability to run inside and outside and cross, it's a gift for a coach and a team.

"Now he will face the difficulties every player has to face, such as consistency and needing to defend as well. There are many things to develop, but it was an interesting game for him.

"Young players can surprise us. Sometimes you can have more experienced players but very fragile and other times you have young players who are robust and can play many games in a row. We'll see. He's getting stronger and he recovers quickly.

"It's good to see new players in these conditions. We have to see their qualities and support them. We believe in their ability, but when things get difficult we'll be behind them."

The 18-year-old will be hopeful to kick on after his first two senior goals, by performing consistently as his manager hopes.

Due to how well they're doing in the Championship this season, you'd imagine that the January transfer window is going to see the resolve of Sunderland tested - namely of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

The Swiss-French tycoon will have big ambitions for the Black Cats and to see them in the Premier League, but Le Bris' young core of players will have their eyes set on top flight football at the earliest possible opportunity.

Interest is likely to come for the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, as well as perhaps Dennis Cirkin and Anthony Patterson, but now he's scoring goals, Watson is likely to come under the microscope of more scouts now.

Brighton failed with their pursuit in the summer, but it may be the case that bigger clubs will now look at wing wizard Watson - and that could leave Louis-Dreyfus with some tough decisions to make if bids come in January.