‘Sales are’… Sunderland fans won’t like what Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has just said.

Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has issued an update on player sales, outlining how they could approach Jobe Bellingham’s interest.

Sunderland are preparing for their Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. A return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years could be just 90 minutes away.

Dan Ballard’s last-gasp header against Coventry City secured Sunderland’s victory at the Stadium of Light. The centre-back rose above the Sky Blues backline and smashed the ball into the net, causing pandemonium among Sunderland fans.

As the play-off final approaches, there has been speculation about Jobe Bellingham’s future at Sunderland. Bellingham could move on regardless of the outcome of the play-off final, as Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman recently stated in an update on sales and their likelihood at the club.

Kristjaan Speakman discusses the potential of Sunderland sales and why they are ‘important’

Sunderland’s upcoming transfer business, in terms of incomings and departures, will undoubtedly be heavily influenced by their performance in the upcoming Championship play-off final; some members of the squad may be playing to stay with the club in the Premier League.

However, regardless of Sunderland’s ability to return to the top flight, Bellingham may leave Wearside.

Sunderland Sporting Director Speakman discussed the possibility of player sales, telling BBC Newcastle: “I think the sales are important. Yes, they are. They are byproducts of success, not the focal point. We are not trying to manufacture players in order to sell them; rather, we are trying to provide players with the opportunity to realise their dreams.

“We’re trying to build a winning team, and if you do both of those things and the players can compete at the level, they’ll be attracted to other teams and clubs.

“And, as I’ve always said, those players will eventually move on and progress. We have some that progress upwards, some that progress sideways, and some that progress backwards, or down the league. So that’s just the environment, and that’s the industry we work in.

“But, ultimately, we’re about opportunity, believing in our players, and putting together a winning team. And I believe we are currently ticking off all of those boxes.”

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk