We take a look at the latest name linked with the Stadium of Light:
Who is Dion Sanderson?
Currently on the books of Wolves, Sanderson is a versatile defender who has shone for Wanderers’ under-23 side in recent years.
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He came through the academy of the Premier League side and was handed a first-team debut in 2019 in a Carabao Cup game against Aston Villa.
Crucially, though, Sanderson has some EFL experience. Not only has he featured for Wolves’ second string in the EFL Trophy, but he has also enjoyed a loan spell at Cardiff City – featuring nine times in the Championship before the 2019/20 season was curtailed.
Where does he play and what type of player is he?
Sanderson is naturally a centre back, but has been known to fill in at full-back on occasion.
He’s naturally a right-sided player, meaning he’s unlikely to be a solution to Sunderland’s lack of depth on the left flank – and would instead be an option in the centre of defence following injuries to Morgan Feeney and Arbenit Xhemajli.
The 20-year-old is very much a modern day defender, with Cardiff manager Neil Harris praising his ‘youthfulness and energy’ when he signed for the club back in January.
Energy is certainly key when playing in a Phil Parkinson back three, with the central defenders tasked with carrying the ball forward – something Sanderson is more than comfortable with.
What do we know about Sunderland’s interest?
Sky Sports claim that the Black Cats have turned to Sanderson in their bid to secure some more defensive cover and have made a bid to sign the defender on loan.
Given his age, the youngster would not count towards the League One salary cap – which is a big tick in his favour.
Are any other sides interested?
Reports have suggested that Championship clubs are monitoring Sanderson’s situation.
Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday have both been linked with a move, although the latter side look set to tie-up a loan deal for Aden Flint which would see their interest in Sanderson fade.
So what about Cardiff City?
Cardiff retain an interest in Sanderson but, speaking yesterday, manager Harris suggested it would be a ‘last-minute’ call from Wolves as to whether he would be allowed to leave.
"Dion’s been talked about before,” he told WalesOnline.
"He’s got himself into a position at Wolves where he’s really well thought of. He did well for us last year.
"If a deal was to happen to us or anyone else, it will probably be a last-minute call from Wolves."
What has Sanderson said about a move?
Speaking earlier this summer, Sanderson hinted that he would be keen on heading out on loan this season.
He told Birmingham Live: “I only played nine games so I think going out on loan again would be best for me, for my development and my career.
“At this moment in time it’s just about focusing on my football and what’s going to happen next, where I’m going to go. It’s about improving myself.”