Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray is refusing to rule out the prospect of signing Manchester United loanee Amad for a second time this forthcoming summer.
The Ivorian, who joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan deal last August, has excelled at the Stadium of Light this season, making the most of his first season playing regularly at first-team level in England. He has scored 12 goals and grabbed four assists in 39 appearances and could still help the Wearside outfit clinch promotion.
Sunderland are currently one place and two points outside the play-off places ahead of Monday's final day trip to Preston North End. A victory, coupled with other results going their way, would see them extend their campaign and participate in the end-of-season play-offs.
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Regardless of what happens on Monday, however, Amad has been excellent for the Championship outfit this season, producing a series of eye-catching performances. His progress has been so impressive that United manager Erik ten Hag is understood to be open to including him in his plans at Old Trafford for next season.
However, although Mowbray expects the winger to be included in United's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States in July, he is refusing to rule out the possibility of signing him for a second time ahead of next season, even if that might turn out to be wishful thinking.
"They know how hugely successful this loan has been, on the back of a not so successful one," said Mowbray, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo. "Ultimately, it will be Ten Hag's decision.
"These clubs have a lot of players on loan and they're either blooding them to go back and play for Man United, or they are building a value in them so that someone comes and offers £10million or however much it may be for them. If they do that with a few players, all of a sudden the money is there to go and get that superstar from Juventus or wherever who goes into that first team.
"That's how I see his situation. Listen, it would be great if we could say 'he's done really well here, let's keep that story going for another year'.
"I think the kid would happily come back here, he's enjoying it, all the players are of a similar age, they respect him and the fans love him, he plays every week and he scores. What's not to like about that? Well, he has a Man United salary at this moment [rather than a Sunderland one].
"At this moment, I expect him to go on the pre-season tour with Manchester United and then they will decide what the best thing is for him to do next. Let's hope the phone rings sometime in July."
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