A Sunderland favourite is now hopeful of signing a new contract with the club. Sunderland are yet to open talks with any of the five players who face leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, though it is only Alex Pritchard that fans are pleading to put pen to paper on a new deal. The midfielder came close to a controversial exit last summer, but he ended up remaining on Wearside and has since earned his place back in the starting line-up. Alex Pritchard was out of favour under Tony Mowbray, but he has since racked up the most assists in the squad (5) and has started five …