By Wayne Veysey

28th Jan, 2022 | 4:54pm

Sources: AFC Wimbledon respond to Sunderland and Barnsley offers for Rudoni

Sunderland and Barnsley have had approaches for AFC Wimbledon midfielder Jack Rudoni rejected, Football Insider understands.

Rudoni has emerged as a target for Sunderland and Barnsley this month after again catching the eye at AFC Wimbledon with a number of stand-out performances.

The 20-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for Wimbledon this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 31 games for the League One side.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Sunderland and Barnsley have made offers for Rudoni which have been turned down by AFC Wimbledon as they look to keep hold of the creative midfielder.

He last signed a new deal with the Wombles in April 2020 but the length of the contract was not disclosed.

Rudoni has been at the club since the age of 11 and now has 88 first-team appearances to his name.

The Englishman has found the net 12 times and provided 10 assists in that time.

AFC Wimbledon hover perilously above the League One relegation zone but have a game in hand over the four sides below them.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are at the other end of the table fighting for promotion and have been very busy this month.

Lee Johnson has added Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Danny Batth to his side that are currently second, level on points with leaders Wigan Athletic.

Barnsley are fighting to avoid being relegated to League One as they sit bottom of the Championship.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has tipped a Sunderland player not seen in 2022 for a ‘major role’ after an update.