Sunderland AFC news: Southampton wary of Jermain Defoe threat, one in, one out for Cats?
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News emerged this morning that Sunderland defender Adam Matthews faces a race against time to convince Bristol City he is worth a permanent contract.
The 25-year-old joined the Championship side on a season-long loan deal last summer but injuries and a loss of form have hampered his chances of making the move permanent.
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Hide AdThe Bristol Post claim manager Lee Johnson has been scouring the transfer market for a new full back as he is yet to be convinced Matthews is the answer at right back.
As things stand the Wales international is due to return to the Stadium of Light this summer.
He doesn't look to have a future on Wearside, though.Meanwhile, there could be a departure this week.
Sunderland defender Michael Ledger has been speaking about a potential loan move to Norwegian side Viking.
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Hide AdThe defender, who is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in the summer, joined Viking for training this week and could seal a loan move before the weekend.
Speaking told RA Dagsavisen that he was impressed with the facilities at Viking and was keen to make a good impression after hearing they were interested in him.
Read what the Sunderland youngster had to say here: And finally Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand says the Saints defence needs no reminding how much of a threat Jermain Defoe poses.
Defoe has scored 14 Premier League goals so far this season, just one shy of last season's league haul.
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Hide AdBertrand said: "In fairness, a man of his pedigree fancies himself against most defences, he has scored goals time and time again.
"He is a major threat for them."
The Saints defence has been hit hard in recent weeks with Jose Fonte signing for West Ham United in January and the injury suffered by Virgil van Dijk.
Bertrand admits it has affected them.
He said: "It has been a bit tough.
"From personal experience, the back four is usually the most consistent part of the team.
"There has been a little bit of inconsistency there this year .
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Hide Ad"There is no real problem throughout the positions on the field, it is a collective thing.
"The disappointment comes because we have set such high standards in the previous years but we are still optimistic about what we can achieve in the coming weeks."