Exclusive: Sunderland respond to 7-figure Brighton bid

Brighton have seen a seven-figure bid for Sunderland sensation Tom Watson rejected on deadline day, sources have told Football Insider.

Watson is highly rated at Sunderland after coming through the ranks at the Stadium of Light and has been tipped to have a big future ahead of him.

Brighton have been tracking the England Under-18 international for some time after scooping up several young talents in recent years.

But Sunderland have rebuffed their offer as they look to keep hold of the talented 18-year-old ahead of Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The winger is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026 after penning a three-year deal last September.

Sunderland keen to keep hold of Tom Watson after Brighton bid

Watson made his professional debut with Sunderland when he came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town in April 2023.

But that didn’t help the teenager earn more opportunities last season, with his only appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the campaign.

The winger did, however, register 10 goals and five assists in 20 appearances for Sunderland’s youth sides.

Watson has already made one senior appearance for the Championship side this season after coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup defeat against Preston.

Brighton have been impressed by what they have seen from the attacker after making a late bid to sign him before the transfer deadline.

But the north-east club have turned down the Premier League side’s offer and are keen to keep hold of their academy product.

Sunderland have had a strong start to the season after winning all three of their games under new manager Regis Le Bris. 

In other news, winner named in Sunderland, Portsmouth & Oxford race for defender.

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