"Shouldn't be selling" - Pundit reacts to Sunderland AFC striker update as Liverpool circle | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Carlton Palmer has claimed Sunderland should take a strong stance on Trey Ogunsuyi amid Liverpool interest

In the midst of a promotion push, this time for the automatics and not just the play-offs, Sunderland can ill afford any off-field distractions to detract away from their ultimate goal.

The January transfer window probably comes at an inopportune time then with the likes of Jobe Bellingham catching the eye this season, but it's a lesser-known quantity who's the latest name to be touted for a move away.

Trey Ogunsuyi is yet to make an appearance for the Sunderland first team, but he's recently been linked with a move to Liverpool, with the Reds tracking the prolific 18-year-old.

He's made a name for himself in the academy set up, but while he's yet to make a first team appearance, Arne Slot's men have been tracking the youngster with a view to making a move in the coming weeks.

Carlton Palmer thinks Sunderland should refuse any offers for Trey Ogunsuyi

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, ex-England international and current pundit Carlton Palmer believes Sunderland should stand firm in January to retain one of their hottest young talents.

He said: "Of course Sunderland know that every transfer window that comes up, clubs are going to be looking at their talented youngsters, and that's a problem they've had to deal with for years and years.

"They also have this mantra, the way they work, they sign players young and move them on but Sunderland and going great guns at the moment.

"Nobody for one moment thought Sunderland would be in the running for an automatic place and it's obviously going to be tough with the likes of Burnley, Leeds United and Sheffield United going for promotion too, but they're in with a shout at the moment.

"They're certainly looking good to be in the play-offs, so therefore they'll want to keep their top players, Bellingham being one of them, and another one is Ogunsuyi who's been outstanding.

"It's right to have a hands-off stance in January, but come the end of the season it could be a different ball game depending on which league they find themselves in, but Sunderland certainly shouldn't be selling any of their young players this January transfer window."

Trey Ogunsuyi is the latest off the Sunderland production line

Sunderland have a track record of nurturing young talent in recent history, with the likes of Chris Rigg and Trai Hume to name a couple becoming regulars in the first team.

Nurturing young talent has been evident too, with Bellingham making the move as a youngster and truly making his name at the Stadium of Light.

That should resonate to young Ogunsiyi, who can see that Sunderland are a team who will put faith in youngsters and give them the chance to home their skills, while they've also proved they won't stand in their player's ways later in their careers.