Former Premier League star REFUSES to play for Sunderland and withdraws from squad barely an hour before kick-off

SUNDERLAND ace Alex Pritchard sent shockwaves around the Stadium of Light by refusing to play against Stoke.

The Black Cats host the Potters in a key Championship clash and the Wearside giants issued a shock statement informing their fans that Pritchard, 30, has withdrawn from Michael Beale‘s side.

Sunderland ace Alex Pritchard informed the club he wants to leaveRex

The club added that the versatile midfielder expressed his desire to leave “with immediate effect”.

Sunderland announced on their official website: “On Friday morning, Alex Pritchard informed the Club that he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from today’s matchday squad.

“The midfielder also expressed his desire to leave SAFC with immediate effect.

“The Club will be making no further comment at this moment in time.”

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman previously stated the club had offered Pritchard a contract extension.

The attacking midfielder’s current deal runs out in June but could be on the move this month.

According to the BBC, the Tottenham academy graduate wanted to leave in the summer but couldn’t find a club.

However, the Championship outfit have had no bids from any potential suitors last year.

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Alex Pritchard informed Sunderland he won’t play against StokeRex

Pritchard’s agent, though, claims there is interest from Turkey as well as Birmingham City.

Birmingham are currently managed by Sunderland’s former manager Tony Mowbray.

Pritchard’s career kicked off in 2011 when he was called up by Tottenham following three years in the youth ranks at White Hart Lane.

However, the playmaker only managed two appearances during his five-year spell at Spurs that saw him being loaned out to Peterborough, Swindon, Brentford and West Brom.

The ex-England youth international then moved to Norwich in 2016 and Huddersfield two years later.

In 2021 he signed with Sunderland where he has amassed a total of nine goals and 25 assists in 115 appearances.