EXCLUSIVE: Concerns emerge over Patrick Roberts Sunderland future

Contract talks with senior players continue to be a minefield Sunderland are struggling to navigate.

Sunderland have delayed contract talks with Patrick Roberts until after the transfer window after growing concerned they have seen signs of discontent from the winger.

Roberts is considered a key player by the Sunderland hierarchy, and head coach Tony Mowbray has previously described the former Manchester City and Celtic man as the best player in the Championship.

He is now in the final year of the two-year deal he signed last summer, though, and talks had been planned this summer about signing an extension.

However, Sunderland have decided to put those talks on the back burner this summer to focus on the transfer window and start of the season, partly due to believing they have seen a drop off in attitude from Roberts in training during preseason.

The club remain hopeful the situation will settle back down, though, and talks are still planned for later in the year, although there appears to be less confidence that a deal can be reached than there was previously.

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It is the latest in a series of challenges Sunderland have faced this summer. Despite being active and efficient in the transfer market and signing four players before preseason training even started, contract renewals of senior players is proving a tough minefield for the club to navigate.

Danny Batth, Lynden Gooch and Alex Pritchard have been told the club will not stand in their way if they can get moves this summer, but Roberts is one the club hope to keep longer term. 

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