Sunderland AFC transfer gossip: Dion Sanderson transfer preference revealed as club to double £1m offer - Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth talk

But there has been plenty of talk over the past few weeks ahead of the Black Cats’ fourth straight season in the third tier.

Indeed, Harrogate Town have become Sunderland’s third confirmed pre-season opponents.

Here, though, we take a look at the latest transfer gossip and general talk involving Sunderland and their League One rivals:

Dion Sanderson expecting Sheffield United to make a bid

Dion Sanderson expects Sheffield United to enter the race for his services later this summer

That’s according to The Echo sister title – The Sheffield Star.

The Wolves centre-half, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, has already been the subject of a £1m bid by the Wearsiders.

But that offer was rejected by officials at Molineux.

Sanderson, however, would reportedly prefer a move to the Championship.

Indeed, the Blades are aware of this ahead of new manager Slavisa Jokanovic officially taking charge at Bramall Lane

The new United boss will assess the options at his disposal in the flesh before approving any in-coming deals if a rival second-tier club makes an approach.

Wolves are thought to value Sanderson at more than double the amount Sunderland offered last week.

The report finishes by stating that although Lee Johnson’s side are almost certain to return to the negotiating table, a move to South Yorkshire would appear to be a more desirable option for Sanderson and his representatives.

The latest gossip from around League One

Lincoln City are ‘set’ to beat the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth to the loan signing of West Brom stopper Josh Griffiths. (Yorkshire Live)

Carlisle United have completed the eye-catching signing of former Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest star Zach Clough. (New & Star)

Sunderland handed transfer boost as midfielder 'target' Ethan Ross snubs rival offer amid Blackburn Rovers interest. (Sunderland Echo)

Charlton Athletic are keen on Sheffield United’s Regan Slater. (Hull Live)

Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien has been offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light but is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs. One of the teams credited with interest is Hull City. However, The Tigers expect him to move elsewhere. (Various)

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