Premier League: Connor Wickham commits his long-term future to Sunderland

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has signed a new four-and-half-year deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2019.

The England U21 international’s previous contract was scheduled to run out at the end of this season and he would have been able to speak to other clubs from January.

The 21-year-old played a key role in keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League last season with five goals in three games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Cardiff late in the campaign.

The Sunderland forward was the subject of a failed £4m bid by West Ham last summer and this deal ensures his future lies at the Stadium of Light.

Wickham has played in all Sunderland’s 15 league games this season, starting 14, and scoring two goals in the process. 

Contribution

Speaking on the new deal, coach Gus Poyet told the club's website: "I’m delighted that Connor has committed his future to us for the next few years.

“After his contribution at the end of last year, he has continued to improve his football and become an important part of our team.

"He keeps learning, he is able to adapt to different positions up front and he is enjoying our philosophy of play so I’m really looking forward to keep working with him for the benefit of our club.

“I think it was very important to tie down a young English centre forward as there are not many around; this shows clearly the way this football club wants to progress.”