Sunderland could struggle to keep hold of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, currently out on loan with Championship side Preston North End, despite him signing a four year contract last year.
The 21-year-old is turning plenty of heads with his performances at Deepdale so far this season, and several of the Black Cats' league rivals have been alerted to these displays, which earned him his first England under-21 call-up, as well as his lack of opportunities at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland will battle to keep Pickford
Because of the fantastic start to the season from Pickford, interest has began circulating regarding his availability in the future, interest involving two Premier League clubs.
Both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have sent scouts to monitor the progress of the young stopper during his spell at Preston, with the intentions of potentially signing him in the summer.
Given that Pickford has now made 101 senior appearances but has yet to make his debut for Sunderland, he might just be tempted by the offers too.
In what has been a short career so far, Pickford has managed to heavily impress and already has shown great potential and growth. With a wealth of experience for a player so young, and a home club yet to show major interest, it is clear to see why he is being targeted heavily.
This is the sixth loan spell in Pickford's career, having spent time with; Bradford City, Darlington, Carlisle United, Burton Albion and Alfreton Town, without being given any opportunities with the Black Cats.
With the goalkeeper now being held in such high regard, he will be keen to test himself at the highest level, and with Sunderland currently sat at the bottom of the league, a move might be the only way that can happen.
Do Villa and Spurs need him?
Whilst both Villa and Spurs are scouting the current Preston shot stopper, it does not mean they will both place bids for him, nor does it mean they are not also scouting other potential signings. It is common for clubs to utilise their scouts, and this is a regular occurrence.
On the other hand, both clubs wouldn't be scouting Pickford unless they were slightly interested in him, but do they actually need him?
Spurs already boast two of the leagues strongest goalkeepers in the way of Hugo Lloris and his back up Michel Vorm, both of whom are more than capable of being first choice. It would be unlikely for Pickford to gain much first team experience in the immediate future with two players of such high caliber already in the squad.
With that in mind, Pickford need only to look at the last local Sunderland player who moved to Tottenham from Wearside. Ben Alnwick was signed by Spurs in 2007, and featured for the club only three times before being released in 2012.
Villa, however, have fewer options. Following Shay Given's departure in the summer, there is a lack of real competition for Brad Guzan, which could provide a realistic chance for Pickford.
Could he stay at Sunderland?
Even though these teams are scouting him, however, it doesn't necessarily mean Pickford's future lies away from the Stadium of Light - signing a four year contract extension could be a clear sign he is willing to fight for his place.
Back-up 'keeper Vito Mannone's contract will run out at the end of the current season, and with no sign of an extension, there could be some boots to fill come pre-season.
However, it was expected that Mannone would be moved on during the most recent transfer market, and the Black Cats' decision to maintain the Italian has been seen as a sign that he will be staying at the club.
With plenty of football still to be played, there is a long wait to see where Pickford will be next season, and his decision could come down to what league Sunderland are participating in next season.
Currently residing at the bottom of the league, the season has started bleakly for Advocaat's side, who only just avoided the drop last season. Conveniently, they take on Spurs this Sunday in their return to league action since the international break, and the focus will be off of Pickford, and back on the first team's displays.
