Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver claims a new approach for Jack Diamond is now out of the question. The Black Cats have rejected a bid from the League Two side, whilst also turning down a further loan deal at Town.
The 44-year-old is a huge fan of Diamond having given him his first taste of senior football back in 2019-20. The Sunderland youngster has enjoyed two loan spells at Wetherby Road, winning the National League play-offs in his first year, before finishing last season as their joint-top-scorer with 14 goals.
Weaver claims his side tried to sign the 22-year-old permanently, but Sunderland are hopeful of giving Diamond some experience in League Two next season. “I would say Jack Diamond coming back is unlikely now, but we really did try,” Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser.
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"We had a good go at getting him back here again. We’ve tried to sign him on a permanent deal but got knocked back. We’ve tried to bring him back on a loan basis, on any basis we could to be honest. We've tried, but Sunderland own Jack, he is their player and we have to respect that.
"With regard to the loan, they've said to us that they want to see the lad tested at League One level now that they have gone up to the Championship. Obviously it is disappointing because Jack Diamond is a real talent and he made a big impression during his time here. But, we are excited by the transfer business that we have already done this summer and the other deals that we are still currently working on.”
Speculation continues to circle regarding Diamond's future. Alex Neil is expected to give the youngster a chance to play his way into the Black Cats first team, but Weaver's comments suggest another loan move could be in the offing.
Diamond signed a long-term deal last summer, with his current deal set to expire in until June 2024. Sheffield Wednesday are among the sides currently linked with a move for the youngster.
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