'Really clear' - Sunderland, Leeds and Middlesbrough to be disappointed after major Man Utd decision

Manchester United look set to keep Amad at Old Trafford - despite Sunderland head coach Michael Beale admitting they want to take him back on loan.

The 21-year-old has made just one Premier League appearance for Erik ten Hag’s side this term, after recently returning from a knee injury he sustained during pre-season. Sunderland were tracking the player’s situation over the summer, following his impressive loan spell at the Stadium of Light, while Middlesbrough, Leeds and Leicester have all been credited with interest.

Amad dismissed suggestions he will sign for Boro this week. The player also posted a picture of him playing for Sunderland on his Instagram account. Yet according to the Manchester Evening News, United plan to keep Amad this month, after paying Italian side Atalanta a reported fee of £19million, rising to £37million, for the player in 2020.

What has Sunderland boss Michael Beale said about Amad interest?

He told the Sunderland Echo: "We’ve made it really clear to them that we would be in there but Man Utd really value him as well. He could have an interesting second half of the season in-house but if he was to go out on loan, I can assure you, they are well aware we would want him to come back here."

Beale also said that he believed that Sunderland would be the preferred destination were a loan to be sanctioned at the end of the window, with the caveat that the club would have to reach a financial agreement with Manchester United.

“Putting finances aside – because that’s the big thing isn't – I know he loved his time here, the fans loved him and he was well loved in the changing room," Beale said. "When I came here, it was something that if it could happen, it would happen but I think Man Utd realise they have a very good football player on their hands.”