Sunderland could be forced to cash in on top scorer Josh Maja after performing U-turn on new contract
Stewart Donald has revealed that Josh Maja told manager Jack Ross on Thursday
Donald is furious that Maja's agent has now advised him not to commit his future
The 20-year-old can now sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs
By Craig Hope for the Daily Mail
Published: 16:23 EDT, 4 January 2019 | Updated: 16:43 EDT, 4 January 2019
Sunderland could be forced to cash in on top goalscorer Josh Maja this month after he performed a U-turn on his decision to sign a new contract.
Owner Stewart Donald has revealed that the 20-year-old told manager Jack Ross on Thursday that he intended to remain at the League One club, his current deal set to expire in the summer.
But Donald is furious that Maja's agent has now advised him not to commit his future to the Black Cats.
Sunderland could be forced to cash in on top goalscorer Josh Maja this month
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'Yesterday (Thursday), Josh asked to see Jack to say he will sign,' the chairman wrote on social media.
'Today (Friday) I got a call from Sky TV saying he won't sign. Josh advised (us) that his agent has said don't sign, but no courtesy to tell the club.
'Also, we offered what the agent indicated! Busy January ahead.' But he later added: 'He wants to sign it, the agent has said don't! Stay behind him and don't get on his back - we will try and change his mind.'
Owner Stewart Donald has revealed that the 20-year-old told manager Jack Ross on Thursday
It is understood Sunderland offered a package of around £5,000 per week - seven times his current wage - and they were hopeful of keeping the striker who has scored 14 league goals.
Maja can now sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs and Sunderland would be due compensation.
However, they would recoup a far bigger fee in the region of £5million were they to sell this month, and the likes of Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield have been monitoring his situation.
Sunderland could be forced to cash in on top scorer Josh Maja after performing U-turn on new deal