JUST IN: What Sunderland duo have previously said about their futures amid Ipswich and West Ham transfer links

What Pierre Ekwah and Dan Ballard have previously stated regarding their prospects at Sunderland after their connections to Ipswich Town.

Although the summer transfer window isn’t expected to reopen until the following month, as teams

get preparing for the 2024–2025 campaign, whispers are already beginning to circulate.

Sunderland may need to ward off interest in some of their key players even as they attempt to

bolster ahead of the upcoming campaign. Ipswich is reportedly considering Black Cats players

Dan Ballard and Pierre Ekwah, who have made 43 and 40 Championship appearances, respectively,

this season. This information was published this week.

Since the majority of their team has signed long-term contracts with the club during the past year, Sunderland is not in a position where they must trade their finest players. Ballard signed a new

contract on Wearside in August in response to rumours of interest from West Ham, while Ekwah committed to a deal that would extend until 2027 upon his arrival from West Ham.

The two have also discussed how they believe Sunderland offers the greatest opportunity for them

to advance in their careers. “I think for my pathway going forward I’ve got a good relationship with

the manager (former head coach Tony Mowbray) and with the club,” Ballard told the Echo after

agreeing to a new contract last year.

“I think I have a significant role on this squad, and sometimes that’s something you can’t get

anyplace else. This is the greatest environment for me to play football since I’m so content and at

ease here.

In February, following rumours of interest from Premier League teams Crystal Palace and

Nottingham Forest, Ekwah was questioned again about whether Sunderland remained the ideal

place for him to grow. Yes, exactly 100 percent. I’m definitely happy here, like I stated the last time

we spoke,” he answered.

It’s the ideal location for my personal and professional growth as a football player. There are definitely

a lot of people having fun out there, and I’m certainly having a great time.

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