Dan Ballard given Sunderland message amid Everton ‘interest’

Former Sunderland manager Simon Grayson has urged Dan Ballard not to rush his move to the Premier League amid Everton interest.

The Toffees have been connected with Sunderland’s former Arsenal defender, who has had another strong season on Wearside.

However, Grayson believes the Northern Ireland international should stay put.

He told Betway: “He’s proven himself as a competent defender,

had a successful season, and is gaining international experience with Northern Ireland.

He must continue to perform at Sunderland, and the club can assess any offers that come in.

“The more experience at Championship level, the better for a player like him.”

Another player who has impressed this season is Jobe Bellingham, who, although turning 18 in September,

has established himself in the Sunderland first squad following his summer transfer from Birmingham City.

Grayson stated, “He appears to be a tremendous talent. It’s his first season,

and he’s already scored and assisted, demonstrating that he possesses excellent skills.

“Expectations are high, and consistency is essential while playing week after week.

With the changes at the club, it’s critical that his development continues.”

Grayson, who led Sunderland for only 18 games in 2017,

believes the club’s summer decision-making is critical after Tony Mowbray’s dismissal “backfired”.

“After an excellent season last year, this year has been turbulent for the club,” he added.

“The loss of Tony Mowbray, who was doing a superb job, surprised many.

Moving forward to the upcoming season, the club must pick the head coach and ideology they want to follow.

“Sunderland has a talented young roster,

and it would be a tragedy to lose their top players if they restructure and change coaches.

It is a source of dissatisfaction for them because they were in a really strong situation under Tony,

and I believe that choice will be difficult to figure out and accept.

“We talk about hindsight being important, but that felt like an odd choice at the time.

It has undeniably backfired on them.

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