Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has his fingers crossed that Connor Wickham signs a new contract with the club.
The talented 21-year old striker has entered the final year of his Black Cats contract and the Wearside outfit is determined not to lose him on a free next summer.
Wickham paid back some of the £8million Sunderland paid Ipswich Town for him back in 2011 by scoring five goals in three matches late last season to help keep the Black Cats in the Premier League and Poyet is keen to keep hold of him.
"Connor is a player we want to keep, a massive part of our miracle Great Escape last season and he is a very important part of our plans," said the Uruguayan.
England U21 international Wickham was recently the subject of a failed £4m bid from West Ham United but appears to be a required player at the Stadium of Light.
