---
title: "Sunderland: Phil Smith reveals dilemma over Demetri Mitchell deal"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-phil-smith-reveals-dilemma-over-demetri-mitchell-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-08-20T12:10:52Z"
modified: "2020-08-20T12:10:52Z"
---

# Sunderland: Phil Smith reveals dilemma over Demetri Mitchell deal

**[Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/takeover-rumours-transfer-breakthroughs-and-league-one-predictions-phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-2946755) journalist Phil Smith has revealed the club face a dilemma over a potential summer deal for former Manchester United left-back Demetri Mitchell.**

With the 2020/21 season fast approaching, transfer gossip continues to develop at the Stadium of Light and Phil Parkinson’s desire to bring in a [new defensive option remains.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-transfer-rumours/sunderland-phil-smith-gives-verdict-on-potential-luke-garbutt-move/)

\[freshpress-quiz id=”292828″\]

Ex-Red Devils man Mitchell continues to be of interest, having been training with the Wearsiders after his release from the Premier League club earlier this [summer.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/demetri-mitchell/profil/spieler/258886)

During his time with United, [the £225k-valued ace appeared just once at first team level whilst also represented the Red Devils’ under-23 side on 25 occasions.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/demetri-mitchell/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/258886)

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Asked if the club’s lack of transfer activity was due to a takeover, via his [latest Q&A](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/takeover-rumours-transfer-breakthroughs-and-league-one-predictions-phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-2946755) with Sunderland Echo, Smith instead pointed towards the salary cap being the issue the club needs to work around. He said:

*“I’ve had absolutely no indication whatsoever that this is the case.*

*“All the conversations I’ve had about where recruitment stands have reflected the need to work out how to get the deals required done within the salary cap rules.*

*“Take, for example, someone like Demetri Mitchell (and this is hypothetical, rather than inside information!).*

*“He’s impressed on trial and has good attributes for the wing-back position.*

*“But he’ll be counted towards the salary cap and that might leave you with a question. Do you now look at a loan (or an U21 option) for cover in that position, which means you can spend a little more up front, for example?*

*“These are the calculations happening at the minute.*

*“Clearly, time is now very much of the essence as the season comes into view.”*

The 23-year-old has also gained interest from [Luton](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8630895/Manchester-United-defender-Max-Taylor-talks-MK-Dons-loan-move.html) who are determined to land the left-back this summer.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Whilst Sunderland may like Mitchell from what they have seen of him behind the scenes, Smith’s words – although hypothetical – do indicate that the club faces a tricky task in sticking to the new salary cap rules when assembling their squad for the 2020/21 campaign.

It remains to be seen whether they can actually bring the ex-United man to the club on a full-time basis, or if he will end up elsewhere.

***Do you think Mitchell will arrive at the club this summer? Let us know in the comments section below…***