Sunderland AFC

Sunderland and Rangers are reported to be monitoring the contract situation of Stewart Downing at Middlesbrough.

Sunderland should have a psychological edge over Portsmouth in Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley.

The Wembley countdown is on, with Sunderland and Portsmouth stepping up preparations ahead of Sunday's Checkatrade Trophy final.

Sunderland head to Wembley this weekend for a cup final in a tournament we should never be in unless it is our Under-21s but a Wembley occasion should never be underestimated and judging by the huge demand for tickets, it has certainly captured the imagination of Wearside and beyond.

Juan Sartori is set to cheer on Sunderland at Wembley this weekend - as he takes a break from campaigning for the Uruguayan presidency.

Sunderland boss Jack Ross has set a comeback target for Duncan Watmore and hopes the striker can return from injury by the end of May.

Jack Baldwin hopes he has done enough to win a spot in Sunderland’s Checkatrade Trophy final XI, but expects Jack Ross to pick from a ‘blank canvas’ a week of training before the game.

Wembley heartache? Pah! Duncan Watmore has bounced back from bigger, more serious setbacks in his short career.

While Sunderland were out of action, there were plenty of talking points from a crucial weekend in League One.

International call-ups see Sunderland take a break from the intensity of the League One promotion battle.

Benji Kimpioka hasn’t given up hope of playing at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final – having snubbed a move away from Sunderland in January.