Sunderland youngster Tom Watson is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs and Rangers

Sunderland risk losing England youth star Tom Watson with Rangers and several Premier League clubs monitoring his contract situation. 

The forward made his senior debut at home to Huddersfield in the Championship shortly after his 17th birthday in April, and he has become a regular for England Under-17s.

However, he is yet to sign a professional contract at Sunderland and is now in the final year of his current deal. Talks are said to have been slow and have frustrated the player and his camp.

The situation has alerted a host of top-flight clubs. They would have to negotiate a fee for Watson if he decided to leave, or allow the figure to be determined by tribunal. 

Clubs in Scotland, however, would be able to sign the youngster for a minimal compensation fee given it would be a cross-border move.

Sunderland risk losing England youth star Tom Watson (R) with several club interested 

The 17-year-old has not yet signed a professional deal and entered final year of contract

Watson plays in the same England team as Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley, who has been the breakout star of their current tour of the United States. 

He was tied down to a professional contract earlier this year.

Able to play through the middle or on the left wing, Watson scored 13 times for the club’s Under-18s last season.