Town chiefs Paul Jewell and Simon Clegg would both be interested in taking former striker Connor Wickham on loan if Sunderland were to allow the 19-year-old to move on a temporary basis next season. Reports in the North-East on Sunday linked Wickham with a possible return to his old club.

Jewell says Town have first dibs on Wickham if the Black Cats were to make him available, although he says his wages might be prohibitive depending on what sort of proportion the Wearsiders would be looking for a loan club to pay: "We have first say on Connor as part of the deal that took him to Sunderland, although there are other factors regarding wages that will make it difficult for any Championship club to take him.

"But if Sunderland wanted him to go out on loan and play football and something could be sorted out, then of course we would be interested."

Chief executive Simon Clegg similarly is similarly positive: “Let’s see where we get to on that. I wouldn’t rule anything out. He left on very good terms and I’ve kept in contact with him since he left, and with his father.

“If they want to let him out on loan, then depending on where he fitted into the rest of the squad and if that’s what the manager wanted, then I’d be delighted [to see him return].”

Wickham joined Sunderland from the Blues last summer for an initial fee of £8.1 million but has made only six starts and 12 sub appearances this season, scoring one goal.

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