Sunderland's Brian Brobbey stance revealed as 'top clubs' in race

Sunderland are desperate to keep Brian Brobbey and hope to deter interest from "top clubs" across European football.

The 24-year-old has established himself as a key part of Regis Le Bris' side since his arrival last summer, and has attracted a number of high-profile suitors as a result.

Following his performance in the 5-3 defeat against Man City last time out, in which he scored a hattrick, the interest in his signature is expected to accelerate.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland have no plans to lose Brobbey in the near future and will not entertain any offers.

The Netherlands international is seen as a crucial part of Le Bris' plans for the future, while Sunderland aim to continue their strong form in the Premier League and Europa League.

As a result, any offers for Brobbey would have to be very good to tempt them to sell, and there is optimism that the Black Cats will be able to keep hold of their star man.

How do Sunderland feel about losing Brian Brobbey?

Brown told Football Insider in July that Sunderland were planning to block offers for Brobbey from his Premier League suitors, and that decision has paid off this season.

The striker's performance was compared to a previous showing from Christopher Nkunku, who scored a hattrick in a defeat to Man City and later joined Chelsea for a big fee.

Brobbey has been tipped to follow in Nkunku's footsteps amid interest from European and Premier League clubs, but he is unlikely to leave Sunderland in the near future.

"Sunderland will be absolutely desperate to keep Brobbey at the club," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's been brilliant since he came in and he's a big part of what they're trying to do now and for the future, and he showed that again with that performance against Man City.

"Funnily enough, it reminds me of watching Christopher Nkunku a few seasons ago when he scored a hattrick away from home against Man City and still lost the game.

"Not long after that, he made the move to Chelsea, so I have no doubt top clubs are going to have been impressed by what they saw from Brobbey.

"He's got to have been on the radar for a while now, not just in the Premier League but for European clubs as well, because of how well he has done for Sunderland.

"But they're not going to want to let him go, so I'd be very surprised if they were going to be open to any offers in the near future."

Which clubs are interested in signing Brobbey?

Despite Sunderland's reluctance to sell, Brobbey has a number of admirers both in the Premier League and abroad, and they could soon make moves to test their resolve.

After he continues his impressive form against Man City, his long-term suitors are likely to take notice, and could accelerate their interest in the near future.

Football Insider revealed in July that Man United were keeping tabs on Brobbey's performances and could make a move to lure him away from the Stadium of Light.

The Red Devils had been keen to strengthen their attacking options amid concerns about a lack of depth and players to lead the line.

Sunderland, though, have been doing everything in their power to keep hold of their striker and are now set to do so again amid the growing interest in his services.