Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says the club will hold talks with midfielder about a new contract to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light.

Embleton spent the second half of last season on loan with Blackpool, helping the Seasiders win promotion back to the Championship via the League One play-offs, beating Lincoln in the final after the Imps had knocked out Sunderland at the semi final stage.

It has been reported this summer that Blackpool are keen to bring Embleton back to Bloomfield Road on a permanent basis following his impressive performances for the club earlier this year.

However, Sunderland triggered a one-year extension on Embleton's contract before allowing him to join Blackpool in January, securing his future at the club until the summer of 2022.

Now it appears as though Speakman and Sunderland are keen to retain the services of the midfielder beyond that point.

Speaking about Embleton's contract situation with the Black Cats, the Sunderland director was quoted by The Sunderland Echo as saying: "We took the option up on his deal when he went out in January so he has a year left, and that’s something that we’ll have a discussion on with him and his agent."

Indeed, it appears Speakman is optimistic the club will be able to do that, as he added: "I’ve spoken to Elliot a few times and he’s a Sunderland boy, desperate to play for the club, and like any young player he wants minutes on the pitch, he wants to play.

"Any club at our level, you need to see the performances as well. So at the minute, it’s just a conversation that we’ll get started in terms of wanting to retain him. I think Elliot understands how much we appreciate and admire him at the club."

To date, Embleton has made 21 first-team appearances in all competitions for Sunderland, having come through the ranks of the club's academy.

The Verdict

This does seem to be an encouraging update on Embleton's future from a Sunderland perspective.

Considering what he did for Blackpool in helping them to promotion from League One last season, he could be a very useful asset for the Black Cats as they look to do the same this time around.

As a result, it would make sense to secure the 22-year-old to a longer term contract, to ease any pressure that may emerge if a bid does come in from Blackpool.

The fact therefore, that Speakman seems confident that Embleton is keen to continue playing for Sunderland, means those of a Black Cats persuasion may have cause to be optimistic about the midfielder's future here.