Sunderland AFC news: Johnson court case latest, M'Vila deal talks, Gary Neville's SAFC view

Johnson’s case has started today at Bradford Crown Court, with the Echo in attendance bringing you live updates.

The England international is charged with three allegations of sexual activity with a child and one of grooming a child.

Follow the case live here.

On the football front, Sunderland received a boost today when Yann M’Vila revealed he wants to stay on Wearside.

However, the French midfielder says it will depend on whether the Black Cats beat the drop or not this season.

M’Vila is on a season-long loan from Rubin Kazan and has revealed he is already in talks with the Russian side over his contract.

You can read the full story here.

Sunderland entertain Manchester United this weekend, and Echo columnist David Jones has revealed what his former Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville thought about the Black Cats while he was at Old Trafford.

Jones always believed Man United were worried about facing SAFC. Seems that’s not always the case.

Read his column here.

Elsewhere, Sunderland fans have given the thumbs up to plans to erect a statue of club legend Charlie Hurley to mark his 80th birthday.