Sunderland and Newcastle are both set to make bids for the 21-year-old star

Sunderland are looking to add to their win over Newcastle United in the transfer window following their Tyne-Wear derby dominance this season.

Sunderland and Newcastle are in the race to sign the defender

Even the most hopeful Sunderland fans couldn’t believe European football was around when they were promoted to the Premier League last season. Regis Le Bris’ side have done what many saw as impossible at the Stadium of Light and are now reaping the rewards in the transfer market.

Having already signed the likes of Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey last summer, Sunderland are now reportedly eyeing Geoffrey Kondogbia and Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham. Both would be excellent additions and both are signs of intent from Wearside.

As for Newcastle, they have a lot of work to do this summer. They have lacked their form this season and have already paid the price – losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69m.

They are in desperate need of a pick which their biggest rivals seem determined to deny before the summer starts.

According to Rudy Galetti, Sunderland and Newcastle are expected to launch plans to sign promising young defender Michael Parker, with bids coming “soon”.

Still just 21 years old, Parker has impressed in Sweden with Orgryte and could be on his way back to England for the first time since leaving West Bromwich Albion in the January transfer window. Whether that’s on Tyneside or Wearside remains to be seen, though.

Parker should prioritize a move for Sunderland

News of Newcastle’s interest in Parker comes at the same time as Fabian Schar has signed a new deal at St James’ Park. On paper, this is good news for Eddie Howe but it will also be another obstacle in the way of any young defender arriving this summer.

That’s why Parker should ignore interest from the Magpies and opt for Sunderland instead. The Stadium of Light has become a breeding ground for young talent in recent months. Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Chris Rigg, who came from the centre, were all given a chance to shine. Now, Parker could be next.

There is work to be done for Parker to be at Premier League level, but Le Bris has shown how he can transform players since joining Wearside. For the right price, Sunderland can get a full-back and get one from Newcastle.

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