An update has emerged regarding Sunderland's interest in Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith.

What's the talk?

According to the Sunderland Echo, the 20-year-old has emerged as a loan target for the Black Cats. Lee Johnson is looking to bolster his midfield options this summer and is keeping tabs on Galbraith, who could be available on a temporary deal ahead of next season.

Last year, Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough compared him to Spanish greats Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

He told Manchester United's official website: “Ethan, over the last six months, we've seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day.

“He's excelled with the Under-21s and he's a different type of player to anyone we've got in the senior squad.

“He has earned his right with the way he has gone about his play for the last six months

“Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little [Andres] Iniesta or Xavi, someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes. Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad."

Forget Scowen

Josh Scowen is set to officially leave Sunderland next week upon the expiry of his contract at the Stadium of Light. This has left Johnson with a hole to fill in his squad and Galbraith could be the player who steps in to fill the void next season. It is time to forget about Scowen and start thinking about the possibility of Galbraith lining up in the red and white stripes later this year.

As with any young player coming in, the 20-year-old would be a risky signing for Sunderland. It is impossible to tell how he will manage the step up to senior football, but the signs are there to suggest that he could be an excellent addition to Johnson's team.

He has already been capped twice by Northern Ireland at senior level, with his manager comparing him to Barcelona legends Iniesta and Xavi, and he has played for Manchester United once in the Europa League. This suggests that his managers at national team and club level believe he has potential.

Therefore, Kristjaan Speakman must ensure that he is able to seal a deal for the "little Iniesta" this summer. If Galbraith is even 5% of the player the nine-time FIFPro Team of the Year member was for Barcelona, then Sunderland would have a cracking player on their hands in League One.

He could be the midfield dynamo the Black Cats need to help push for promotion next season and that is why Speakman must take the gamble on him and why fans should forget about Scowen.

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