Exclusive: Sunderland respond to formal Brighton offer for Tom Watson
Sunderland have rejected a formal offer from Brighton for winger Tom Watson, sources have told Football Insider.
The two clubs remain in talks regarding a move for the 18-year-old as they look to see if a deal can be agreed ahead of the February 3rd transfer deadline.
Sunderland are understood to value Watson highly but may be forced to sell with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.
Brighton have been tracking the England Under-18 international for some time, with Football Insider revealing they had an bid turned down by Sunderland turned down in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Watson, who is currently sidelined through a combination of knee and ankle issues, hasn't made an appearance for the Championship side since their 1-1 draw with Bristol City in early December.
Brighton remain adamant on reaching an agreement for highly-rated Sunderland star Tommy Watson
The Winger is having a real breakout season at Sunderland, starting 11 of his 16 games across senior and youth levels, scoring seven goals, and providing three assists in his 889 minutes of action.
Regis Le Bris' side currently have the youngest average age in the Championship but have established themselves as genuine promotion challengers, sitting in fourth with 55 points from their 29 games.
Fabian Hurzeler's side could be set for a busy end to the transfer window, with several Premier League clubs eyeing a move for wonderkid Evan Ferguson.
Brighton's shock 1-0 defeat to David Moyes' struggling Everton leaves them in ninth, seven points off the top four going into the weekend's fixtures.
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