EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland open contract talks with Dan Ballard as PL interest lingers

Sunderland have opened contract talks with Dan Ballard.

Sunderland have opened contract talks with Dan Ballard in a bid to fend off Premier League interest in the defender.

Ballard, 23, joined Sunderland from Arsenal last summer in what was reported to be a £2million move.

Injury hampered his first season at the club but he still managed to make 19 Championship appearances in total - and he managed to impress as well.

So much so that there's been Premier League interest in the Northern Ireland international this summer, notably from West Ham who remain the biggest threat for Sunderland.

But Sunderland are making efforts to prevent Ballard's potential exit this summer by opening contract renewal talks with the centre-back.

He's currently under contract until 2025 and the Black Cats have the option to extend his stay by a year, but despite that, Tony Mowbray's side are keen on further extending his deal.

Sunderland have added some new centre-backs to their ranks this summer in names like Jenson Seelt and Nectarios Triantis, though Ballard looks set to be a regular starter after making his return to action in pre-season.

Sunderland open their 2023/24 season v Ipswich Town this weekend.

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