Poyet urges Connor Wickham to decide future on what is best for his career

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has urged Connor Wickham to decide his own future.

Wickham, 21, joined Sunderland from Sheffield Wednesday for £8 million in 2011, but could leave the Stadium of Light on a free transfer in the summer, with the player’s current deal set to expire on 30 June 2015.

However, a summer exit would give the Black Cats minimal compensation for Wickham, as Italian Serie A side Lazio continue to be linked with the 21-year-old striker.

“Connor is still playing, there has been no ban,” Poyet said. “I’ve not said if you don’t sign you don’t play.

“There hasn’t been different treatment, but he needs to make a decision that’s best for his career. If he wants to go somewhere else and play in Europe, fine, that’s his decision.

“My advice is to make the decision yourself. Of course listen to your parents, girlfriend, best friend, his agent. With all the information they give you, make the decision yourself.

“Sometimes people don’t want to agree. They want to play a certain way. They want to tell you we will take him to Europe so the club has to pay us less compensation.

“Fair enough, we know who we are dealing with. You know who you are dealing with for the rest of your life, not just one deal. It’s not a problem, everyone has a reputation.”

Wickham has tallied two goals and one assist in 11 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland this season.

Huddersfield sign Poyet on loan from West Ham

Huddersfield have completed the loan signing of midfielder Diego Poyet, the son of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, from West Ham United.

Poyet, who worked with Huddersfield manager Chris Powell at Charlton Athletic, will be on loan at the John Smith’s Stadium until 6 December.

The 19-year-old’s first-team opportunities at Upton Park have been limited following the summer arrivals of Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyaté, and with Stewart Downing featuring in a more central role this term, Poyet was unlikely to have any chance of establishing himself in 2014/15.

“Diego is a player I know very well from our time together at Charlton,” Powell told the club’s official website.

“He is a real talent and adds further quality to our midfield options.

“I have been told that Diego caught the eye of a number of clubs, including Huddersfield Town, following his performances for Charlton, but he’s been out of our reach until this opportunity became available.

“He’s made his Premier League bow for West Ham and we will give him further Championship experience.

“I am grateful that the club has demonstrated a willingness to enhance the squad and move quickly to get the move done.

“Diego is a tenacious midfield player with a great range of passing; he should dovetail brilliantly with our other midfield players at the club and fit right into the squad in terms of his personality.”