Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has spoken about his hopes of Tom Flanagan agreeing a new deal at the club.
The Black Cats could need to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer after failing to gain promotion for a second successive season. Manager Parkinson has a tough summer transfer window ahead with a number of first team regulars having left the club in the last few weeks.
Flanagan, who is one of those players, has been offered a new deal by the Wearsiders, but reports last week hinted that he was yet to respond to the offer.
Reacting to that claim about Flanagan’s lack of response, Parkinson has now said that he believes the defender will agree new terms.
“Tom Flanagan has a contract offer on the table. We’re in negotiations with another player who I feel we’re close to getting a deal done with. I don’t think we’re too far away with Flanno.
“Over the next couple of days we’ve got to progress that one and try and push it over the line. Both parties know where we stand.
“Flanno is a good lad, he’s been reasonable, and we need to get that deal progressed sooner rather than later.”
Flanagan has also gained interest from Championship duo Birmingham City and Coventry City, with various reports claiming both have offered him a deal.
These are positive words from Parkinson over the potential of re-signing Flanagan. The defender could become a key part of Sunderland’s rebuild next term, having already played 64 times for the Black Cats, and he would undoubtedly have a desire to gain promotion with the club after they missed out in 2020.
One issue may be the lure of Birmingham and Coventry, though, and you could hardly blame him if he were to be tempted to a move to the Championship with either club.
Do you think Flanagan will resist the chance to move to Birmingham or Coventry? Let us know in the comments section below…
