An update has has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in Hamilton centre-back Jamie Hamilton...

What's the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Black Cats are one of a number of teams looking to sign the defender as his contract with the Scottish sides runs out in the summer.

The report claims that Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Celtic, Aberdeen and Newcastle are among the other sides keen on a pre-contract agreement this month.

Masterclass

Lee Johnson could seal a masterclass by swooping to land Hamilton on a pre-contract deal as it could end up being a bargain for the Black Cats. They would only need to worry about a tribunal fee, rather than negotiating a transfer with the Scottish side, and this means that they could end up paying a nominal price for a player with vast potential.

Sunderland are on course to achieve promotion from League One and return to the Championship and Hamilton could arrive in time to bolster their squad for a crack at the second tier in England. The defender has shown promise in Scotland and he could be a player Johnson works with over time and looks to develop by offering him first-team chances at the Stadium of Light.

He played 27 times in the Scottish Premiership last season between the ages of 18 and 19, winning 59% of his duels and making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game.

Hamilton boss Brian Rice previously lauded the defender's improvement, saying: "I think you saw in young Jamie Hamilton today. Absolutely outstanding for an 18-year-old, absolutely fantastic. He needs the help of the experienced lads. It’s trying to get the blend right. I think we are nearly there.

“Jamie has certainly improved with Aaron Martin alongside him, Lee Hodson, talking to him." This highlights his potential and why this could be a masterclass of a deal from Johnson, as the teenager has plenty of room left to improve and grow as a player. He has already shown that he can hold his own in the top division in Scotland despite his age and this suggests that he could make an impact at Sunderland in the short term, whilst also being an investment for the future. It is now own to the Black Cats boss to convince the Wdefender that a move to the League One outfit will be more beneficial to him than joining another club where he may not get as much game time.

AND in other news, Johnson must land SAFC deal for "sensational" £450k-rated beast, he's "some finisher"...