Northern Ireland International Tom Flanagan reveals he wants to extend Sunderland stay

Northern Ireland international Tom Flanagan has revealed he would like to stay at current club Sunderland beyond the end of the season. 

Flanagan's contract at the Stadium of Light runs out at the end of the season but due to the Coronavirus pandemic there is uncertainty with the season now suspended.

With that suspension it leaves players like Flanagan in a complicated situation as his deal expires on June 30th. 

"I’m not really concentrating on it at the minute” said the centre back, speaking at an event organised by the Foundation of Light for the EFL Day of Action.

When asked about any updates on the contractual situation he said "No, not at the minute. It’s very quiet. I’m not really concentrating on it at the minute. I’ve got eight games to play for this club to hopefully get us promoted."

Sunderland currently sit seventh in League One following a winless run of four games before the Coronavirus outbreak. 

However the defender who has won five caps for Northern Ireland has expressed his desire to remain on Wearside beyond the end of the current campaign. 

Flanagan said "I’ve got a young family who love it up here so I definitely want to stay. 

“We’ve both said it’s the nicest place that we’ve lived up here. We’ve enjoyed it and the people and stuff like that.

“I mean the football club... it will be something special for me to just turn my back and walk away. I can’t see that happening.

“But ultimately it’s in the club’s hands, so if it’s something that they’re not interested in then obviously I’m not going to have a choice.”

Flanagan recently won his place back in Phil Parkinson's side as he's started in the Black Cats last eight matches. 

He has also netted once this campaign as Sunderland knocked Premier League side Burnley out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 victory at Turf Moor.