Newcastle United could potentially make things even worse for Sunderland.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez have won four consecutive Premier League matches, and the danger of potential relegation is certainly no longer a concern for the club. Sunderland have not been enjoying such a positive run, and the Toon could be set to take advantage of that uncertainty this summer.
Recent reports have the Magpies pursuing strikers Josh Maja and Joel Asoro, with Arsenal and Watford also mentioned as interested in the young forwards. The teenage talents are each looking for more playing time and development at the Stadium of Light, but manager Chris Coleman may have great difficulty convincing them to stay.
Sunderland are at the bottom of the Championship table, and another relegation could place them in League One for 2018-19.
Both Maja and Asoro have displayed potential, and each need meaningful minutes on the pitch to progress their skills.
Coleman may be able to offer first-team football, though signing on with a Premier League side will definitely be tempting.
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Newcastle will be looking to add talent in the coming months as they build for the future. For the fans, this would be a wonderful way to remind their rival of the direction in which they are headed.
No such thing as “taking it too far”
The Tyne-Wear derby might not be a part of the football calendar, but the banter never stops between the two North East sides.
Even if Maja and Asoro do not end up having an impact at St. James’ Park, the Toon Army would love to see their squad add insult to injury for the Black Cats.
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Newcastle United and Sunderland might be two divisions apart by the end of this season. With that thought in mind, one could understand why Josh Maja and Joel Asoro would want to depart.