Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: What Lee Johnson said about Jermain Defoe, Patrick Roberts and Danny Batth ahead of Portsmouth clash

Lee Johnson held his pre-match press conference earlier today ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth – and there was plenty to discuss.
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The Black Cats have completed the signing of centre-back Danny Batth from Stoke City, despite interest from other clubs.

Batth has opted to join the Black Cats on an 18-month deal, becoming the second signing of the January transfer window after Trai Hume. Sunderland have not paid a fee.

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Johnson was also asked about transfer targets Jermain Defoe and Patrick Roberts in his press conference.

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Scroll down to see what the Sunderland head coach had to say:

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RECAP: Lee Johnson press conference

Key Events

  • Black Cats head coach Lee Johnson held his pre-match press conference earlier today
  • Sunderland face Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light in League One on Saturday
  • The Wearsiders have completed the signing of Stoke City defender Danny Batth
  • Johnson was asked about transfer targets Jermain Defoe and Patrick Roberts

I saw a media clip of Jermain Defoe on Talksport this morning.

We know the script with that one, he’s a good guy, obviously he’s 39 years of age and that can bring us a lot of experience.

At the same time as I said before, a lot of things would have to happen and people would have to be happy with it for whatever reason and at the moment it’s not there.

Johnson on Danny Batth

I’m delighted to bring Danny in and it’s a really good signing for us.

You have to respect the board for pushing the boat out.

Johnson on FA charge

I have asked for a personal hearing and it has to be submitted by 6pm.

If something like that arrives it’s hard not to protect a young lad.

I’m not blaming anyone for sending me off but to be honest there could have been eight people who could have been sent off.

Lee Johnson press conference

What to expect from today’s press conference

Johnson will inevitably be asked about transfers and Jermain Defoe.

The striker, who left Rangers earlier this month, has said there is interest from the Black Cats and that he’s weighing up his options.

Sunderland are in the market for another striker and an attacking midfielder and remain interested in Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts.

Sunderland have strengthened at the back bringing in centre-back Danny Batth from Stoke, and the 31-year-old could make his debut against Portsmouth this weekend.

Johnson will also be asked about injuries, after Alex Pritchard was forced off at half-time against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Sheffield Wednesday near deal for Brighton defender

Sheffield Wednesday are said to be winning the race for in-demand Brighton & Hove Albion defender Haydon Roberts.

That’s after Wednesday missed out on Batth, with the defender signing for Sunderland.

Reports suggest the Owls in the driving seat to sign the 19-year-old England youth international.

There is also interest in Roberts from Championship trio Nottingham Forest, Swansea City and Cardiff City.

Wednesday boss Darren Moore earned plaudits for his handling of Seagulls youngster Taylor Richards while at Doncaster Rovers last season.

Indeed, it is believed that his track record with young players has stood the club in good stead going forward in the January market.

Luke O’Nien returns to training

Sunderland midfielder Luke O’Nien has returned to training at the Academy of Light.

That’s after the player went under the knife and had surgery to fix a long-standing shoulder problem.

O’Nien was ruled out for at least three months at the beginning of November.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Lee Johnson’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth.

The Black Cats boss is set to meet the press at 1:45pm and there is bound to be plenty on the agenda.

Stick around and refresh the page for live updates.