Championship outfit have Ben Woodburn on their shopping list

Sunderland have set their sights on a January loan move for Ben Woodburn, according to a report.

Black Cats boss Chris Coleman was at the Stadium of Light yesterday to watch Woodburn in action against Sunderland’s Under-23s and the 18-year-old did not disappoint, scoring a brilliant long-range goal.

Woodburn hammered in a 25-yarder in the 82nd minute as Liverpool’s youngsters won 4-1 and Woodburn was the heartbeat of the visitors’ good play.

The Sunderland Echo report that Coleman wants to link up again with the Wales starlet. The local paper suggests Woodburn is on “Coleman’s radar as he looks to strengthen next month”.

Woodburn has only made one senior appearance this season after bursting on to the first-team scene last season. The signings of Dominic Solanke and Mo Salah have pushed the youngster down the pecking order.

Woodburn committed his long-term future to Liverpool by signing a deal until 2022 when he was 18 in October, but it looks as though the youngster will be allowed to move out on loan next month.

Hannover wanted the player on loan in August, but Jurgen Klopp refused to sanction a loan deal, but now his temporary exit looks on the cards and Coleman is hoping to take advantage of his previous working relationship with Woodburn.

In October, Steven Gerrard admitted that Woodburn, who has captained Gerrard’s UEFA Youth League under-19s side, needed to play games.

“I think Ben needs to play at the moment so if Jurgen doesn’t need him at first-team level it’s an excellent opportunity to come and play with his friends who he came through the system with; be the captain and leader in this team and set the example,” said the former Liverpool captain.

“I am pleased with Ben because his attitude and mentality when he comes down to train at the academy is 10 out of 10. That gives everyone a lift.

“His mates are so happy to have him around and he is smiling and playing around with them so it is a great mix.

“We all know Ben is going to play different types of football this year, he knows that and is happy with that.

“The challenge is when he comes down to this level can he approach it like a first-team game and so far he has been excellent.”