JOSH MAJA is set to remain with Sunderland until the end of the season – before completing a summer move to Germany.

Maja’s future has been the subject of sustained speculation recently, with the 20-year-old, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign, having turned down the offer of a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have looked into the possibility of selling the striker this month in order to maximise his financial value, but Jack Ross has indicated a desire to keep him until the end of the season if possible and that now looks the likeliest scenario.

The Northern Echo:

Maja is happy to see out the current campaign on Wearside, and while a number of Championship clubs are known to be interested in acquiring his services when he becomes a free agent, his representatives have set up an array of potential options in the German Bundesliga.

Maja is tied to the Elite Project Group, an agency that has developed strong links with clubs in the German top-flight in the last couple of years. Their clients include Jadon Sancho, who has made a huge impact since leaving Manchester City to join Borussia Dortmund, Reiss Nelson, who is on loan at Hoffenheim from Arsenal, and Ademola Lookman, who had a successful loan spell at Red Bull Leipzig last season before returning to England to break through at Everton.

While Maja is expected to receive a number of offers to remain in England, he would be able to command much higher wages in the Bundesliga than at the majority of clubs in the Championship. The situation might change if he was offered a move to the Premier League, but despite suggestions of interest from Cardiff City and Crystal Palace, he could struggle to attract an offer from a top-flight side given his limited experience outside League One.

Maja’s contractual situation means his representatives can speak to overseas clubs this month, and there are understood to have been discussions with at least three Bundesliga teams.

Regardless of whether Maja opts to remain in England or move overseas, his age means Sunderland will be due compensation if he leaves Wearside as a ‘free agent’. However, because he spent his formative years with Crystal Palace and Fulham and did not join Sunderland until 2015, the Black Cats will not receive as much as they would have if he had been on their books throughout his development.

Maja missed last weekend’s draw with Luton Town because of a stomach bug, but is set to return to the Sunderland squad for Saturday’s game at Scunthorpe United with Ross happy with the youngster’s attitude despite the contractual impasse.

Saturday’s trip to Glanford Park could also see Jimmy Dunne make his Sunderland debut, with the Burnley loanee having been an unused substitute against Luton.

Dunne, a 21-year-old centre-half who spent the first half of the current campaign on loan at Scottish Premier League side Hearts, was in the same Manchester United youth set-up as Reece James, and the Black Cats full-back is confident his former academy colleague will be a valuable addition as the Wearsiders look to force their way into the top two.

“He’s a really good lad,” said James. “I knew him from my time at Manchester United - he was in the youth teams when I was in the reserves. I knew he was a good lad before he came in, and he’s settled in well.

“He’s looked good in training, and I think he’ll be a good addition to the squad. It’s more competition, so it can only bolster our options.

“He’s a great size, which can only add a threat when it comes to set-pieces as well. It’s just another good option, so hopefully he can help us push on.”