Sunderland will be forced to rethink their transfer targets after Bolton Wanderers defender Harry Brockbank expressed a desire to remain with the Trotters, as reported by the Northern Echo.

The 20-year-old has reportedly been a target for the Black Cats, but it's now believed he's keen to remain with Phil Parkinson's side. He played in a friendly with Al-Ittihad this week and it is now reported that he has told those in charge at Bolton he's keen to stay if their current problems are eased.

Ipswich and Brentford were also thought to be in the hunt for the young defender and they too are likely to miss out if he commits his future to the ailing Trotters.

That leaves Sunderland once again out in the cold for a transfer target in a summer where they've managed only three significant signings; Lee Burge, Connor McLaughlin and Jordan Willis.

It means they're likely to turn their attentions to Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan, a player seemingly on the move this summer after the Blades promotion to the Premier League. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with Blackpool, making 49 appearances as they finished tenth in League One.

The Verdict

If Brockbank does stay with Bolton it will cement him as a legend with the club. They've lost most of their squad and are struggling to get a team together for friendlies, but a young player committing his future to them would be a big boost.

It's a brave move too, but it could be that he wants regular football. It would be hard not to get a game at Bolton right now, but with Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan and Jack Baldwin to contend with, how easy would first-team football be at Sunderland?

If he stays put he wins on two fronts; he gets game time to develop and he looks to be loyal to the club who brought him through. That's not worth risking for a place in Sunderland's Under 23 setup.