Sunderland AFC transfer gossip: Dion Sanderson and Guy Melamed latest, Steve Evans makes bold promotion claim ahead of Hull City clash, League One chairman stands down

Indeed, Sunderland received a boost in League One last Tuesday.

That’s because Blackpool defeated promotion rivals Peterborough United 3-1 with help from Sunderland loanee Elliot Embleton and former academy graduate Ethan Robson.

The Black Cats are now two points off second-placed Posh and with a game in hand on Darren Ferguson's side.

And Lee Johnson’s men also have a game to play against Peterborough on April 5.

Sunderland remain five points off first-placed Hull City but have two games in hand over the League One leaders and a match to play against the Tigers on April 20.

But what news is there ahead of the trip to the Memorial Stadium to face Bristol Rovers?

Here, we take a look at the latest from around the web:

Sunderland eye two players ahead of summer transfer window

Sunderland continue to be linked with moves for defender Dion Sanderson and striker Guy Melamed

The Daily Mail state that the Black Cats have entered negotiations with Wolves about a deal for Sanderson.

However, the £2m-rated 21-year-old has also been linked with Sheffield United, Brighton, Brentford and Crystal Palace.

And Football Insider claims that Sunderland are one of three clubs eyeing a potential summer move for St Johnstone man Melamed.

The Black Cats, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town have all been credited with an interest in the attacker.

Gillingham manager makes bold prediction ahead of Hull City clash

Ahead of his side’s game against Sunderland’s promotion rivals Hull City, Steve Evans has claimed Gillingham will get promoted if they make it into the play-offs.

“If we can sneak into those play-offs then we will be in the Championship next year and that is the test, the test is if we are good enough to get in there.

"If we do then it's cup-tie football and I have the best squad for cup-tie football sitting in our dressing room.”

Gillingham are currently two points behind Blackpool, who occupy sixth-place, in the play-off race.

Chairman of Sunderland’s League One rivals stands down

John Bowler has resigned as Crewe Alexandra chairman following Sheldon review.

The club were criticised by the Sheldon review for not doing more to protect youngsters at the club.

Bowler said: "I have today informed my fellow directors that I intend to stand down from my position as a board member of Crewe Alexandra Football Club with immediate effect.

"I always intended to do so following the conclusion of the Sheldon Review into child abuse in football.

"As the only person left with an association to that era, I truly believe that it was important for me to see it through to conclusion.

"I am satisfied with the findings of the review that found that the club did not have any knowledge of Barry Bennell’s heinous crimes.

"I will always be deeply appalled and sorry that those young players and their families suffered at the hands of this evil predator.

"I personally and sincerely apologise to them for all their suffering.

"Crewe Alexandra is a community-based club with good people. I apologise to all our supporters that the name of the club has been tarnished.”

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