SUNDERLAND’S hopes of re-signing Amad Diallo have suffered a major setback after West Ham became the latest in a growing line of Premier League clubs to express an interest in the Manchester United forward.

Amad was one of the stars of Sunderland’s season, finishing the campaign as the Black Cats’ leading scorer as they narrowly missed out on winning promotion in the Championship play-offs.

However, the Ivorian’s loan move is now over and he is due to return to Manchester United’s first-team group for the start of pre-season training later this summer.

Erik ten Hag intends to give Amad a chance to force himself into the reckoning for a senior spot at Old Trafford next season, but will consider another loan move for the 20-year-old if he feels he is not ready for regular action with Manchester United.

Sunderland would love to re-sign Amad on another season-long loan, and the youngster thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside. He developed a strong relationship with Tony Mowbray, who he credits for helping get his career back on track after a difficult previous loan at Rangers.

READ MORE:

However, Sunderland can only offer Championship football next season, and Manchester United are set to receive offers for Amad to spend time in the Premier League, which ten Hag might well regard as more beneficial to his development.

West Ham are understood to be lining up a move that would see the forward spent next season at the London Stadium, with the Hammers hierarchy planning a summer overhaul of a squad that struggled domestically this season and is set to lose Declan Rice in a big-money departure.

Everton are also believed to be keen to sign Amad on a temporary basis next season, along with newly-promoted Burnley, who will target the loan market as a key part of their summer strengthening.