Journalist Phil Smith has insisted that he can't see Amad Diallo leaving Sunderland this month.

The Lowdown: Future potentially up in the air

When Sunderland secured the signing of Diallo, who has European experience at such a tender age, it appeared to be a shrewd piece of business - and that's exactly how it's turned out, with the winger registering seven goal involvements thus far.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that there's been some talk about Diallo potentially returning to Manchester United this month, which would be a major blow for Tony Mowbray.

United boss Erik ten Hag was recently asked about Diallo returning and claimed he would recall the winger if he thought the star could be starting or at least pushing to be in his lineup every week.

The Latest: Smith confident Diallo will stay

Despite having lost one loan player to their Premier League parent club in the form of Ellis Simms, Smith has claimed on The Roar podcast he doesn't expect the same to happen with Diallo.

"I think the best thing for all parties is for him just to stay, see where it takes him in the second half of the season, and then Man United have either got a player who could theoretically push to be part of their squad next year or who could help them to push on in terms of bringing some money back in.

"So listen, I just don't see it, and Sunderland certainly don't expect it, but as you said, the Simms one did also come from nowhere a little bit, so we'll have to wait and see."

The Verdict: Best for Diallo to stay at Sunderland

It makes perfect sense for everyone involved if Diallo was to remain on Wearside as he's playing and starting pretty much every game at the moment for Sunderland while arguably in the form of his career, having registered six goals and one assist in his last 11 games.

If he was to return to Man United, he may not earn anything more than the occasional spot on their bench given the options in front of him including Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.

Therefore, given the fact he appears to be thriving at Sunderland, seems settled and Ten Hag doesn't appear eager to have him back in his squad, Diallo should be allowed to continue growing and help Sunderland get promoted, as he clearly has a lot of ability, having been lauded as a 'massive talent' in 2022 by reporter Josh Bunting.