Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Lee Johnson aware of Jermain Defoe's situation after Rangers exit as Frederik Alves is recalled by West Ham
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The Black Cats will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend when they travel to Accrington Stanley – and head coach Lee Johnson spoke to the media earlier today.
Scroll down to find out what he had to say, as well as the latest SAFC news and transfer talk:
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Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP (14 January)
Key Events
- Lee Johnson spoke to the media earlier today.
- The Black Cats will face Accrington Stanley tomorrow afternoon (3pm kick-off).
- Frederik Alves has been recalled by West Ham after making 10 appearances on loan at Sunderland.
- Johnson says Sunderland are aware of Jermain Defoe’s situation.
Speakman on Alves departure
Here’s what Sunderland’s Sporting Director told the club’s website: “Throughout Freddy’s loan, we have remained in regular dialogue with him and West Ham United regarding his programme.
“He’s progressed and he’s matured off the pitch, but he’s missing the frequency of games required at this stage of his development and we collectively understand the need for him to be playing regular football.
“Having reviewed this with his parent club, we agreed that it is the natural solution for him to return in January to plan out the second part of the season.
We thank West Ham United and we wish Freddie well in his career.”
Alves recalled
As we expected at the start of the month, defender Frederik Alves has been recalled from his Sunderland loan spell by parent club West Ham.
The 22-year-old made 10 first-team appearances for the Black Cats but didn’t start a league game.
Under-23s latest
Sunderland will make a decision at the end of the season about the management of their under-23s set-up – with Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor set to stay in charge for the remainder of this campaign.
Read more HERE
Cardiff defender linked
Here’s a new name to emerge
According to Football League World, Sunderland are considering a move for Cardiff City defender Aden Flint.
The 32-year-old has been a regular starter for the Bluebirds this season, appearing 22 times in the Championship.
Team news
Sunderland captain Corry Evans missed the Lincoln game after being stretchered off against Wycombe with a head injury.
The central midfielder could return this weekend, in line with concussion protocols, if he is no longer feeling any symptoms.
The Black Cats have also had players missing due to positive Covid-19 cases but Johnson was hopeful some will return this weekend.
We’ll get a full injury update when Johnson speaks to the press later today.
Some transfer news
Let’s start with some transfer news.
One of Sunderland’s youngsters has departed on loan.
The club confirmed this evening that Jack McIntyre has joined Radcliffe FC on a 28-day loan.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has featured twice in the Premier League 2 this season.
But the ex-Everton man has moved to the Northern Premier League side until February.
A club statement said: “Everyone at SAFC wishes Jack all the best during his time at Stainton Park.”
McIntyre was on trial at Sunderland for much of the pre-season campaign and signed a contract in the summer.
Good Morning!
Hello and welcome to our SAFC live blog.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson is set to hold his pre-match press conference at 12pm today ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Accrington Stanley.
Sunderland were beaten 3-1 by Lincoln last time out so will be hoping to get back to winning ways at The Wham Stadium.
We’ll have live updates from the press conference as well as the latest SAFC news and transfer talk throughout the day.
Stick around and refresh the page for live updates.