Sunderland AFC news: Cats hunt defender after facing Lionel Messi, D-day at Euro 2016

Messi scored a stunning free-kick in Argentina's 4-0 triumph, to become his country's all-time leading scorer.

But Sunderland are looking to keep Yedlin in the firing line against Premier League opponents, as the Black Cats bid to re-sign the American international.

The Echo revealed today that Sunderland are keen to bring back Yedlin to the Stadium of Light after the Spurs defender improved dramatically during the second half of his loan spell last season.

Another season-long loan - with a view to a permanent switch - is a possibility, although Sunderland will not pay over the odds for the 22-year-old. Read the full story here.

Sunderland's hopes of offloading flop midfielder Liam Bridcutt have also received a boost, with Leeds maintaining their interest in the ex-Brighton man.

Bridcutt spent six months of last season on loan at Leeds, but the dismissal of manager Steve Evans looked like prompting the Championship side to consider other options.

But Leeds still want to sign the 27-year-old, who has another 12 months to run on his Sunderland contract.

Meanwhile, Sunderland's Euro 2016 contingent of Emanuele Giaccherini, Seb Larsson and John O'Shea face a decisive day in France today.

Giaccherini's Italy have already qualified for the knock-out stages, but Larsson's Sweden and O'Shea's Ireland both need to win their final group games to stand a chance of progressing.

Ireland face Italy, while Sweden take on Belgium, with both games kicking off at 8pm.