Sunderland AFC news: Crystal Palace linked with £3m swoop for Dutch ace, injury blow for Cats defender

The Dutch left-back has turned his season around under Sam Allardyce and the Sun are reporting that Palace have made the defender their No 1 transfer target.

They report former Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew will make a move for Van Aanholt should Sunderland be relegated into the Championship in the next four games.

The 26-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal, joined Sunderland for just £1.5million in the summer of 2014.

His form this season saw him rewarded with a call-up to the Dutch national squad, with reports suggesting he is now valued around the £3million mark.

For the latest Sunderland AFC news follow us on Twitter @sunechosafcMeanwhile, Sunderland and Wales defender Adam Matthews is facing a race against time to be fit for Euro 2016.

The full-back, on loan until the end of the campaign at Bristol City, injured his hamstring in the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers and won’t feature again this term.

And the setback could jeopardise his lingering chances of representing Wales at this summer’s European Championship finals in France.

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And finally, Sam Allardyce has been praising captain Lee Cattermole for his recent impact on the Sunderland side.

Allardyce told the Echo: "Having that driving force in midfield is very important in the engine room.

"Jack’s technical ability in many ways is as good as anybody we’ve got.

"But Lee’s grit, desire, drive and determination can lead the team and make them feel good."

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