Everything Lee Johnson had to say on Corry Evans, Lee Burge, Will Grigg, transfers, Blackpool and Wycombe Wanderers

Sunderland faced Blackpool in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and ran out 3-2 winners.
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Lee Johnson has added seven first-team players to his squad so far this window.

Corry Evans, Alex Pritchard, Callum Doyle, Dennis Cirkin, Frederik Alves, Nathan Broadhead and Niall Huggins have all arrived at the Stadium of Light so far.

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Incomings and outgoings are still expected on Wearside before the August 31 transfer deadline, with another striker and a full-back the priorities for the Mackems.

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.

Sunderland face Wycombe Wanderers in League One at the Stadium of Light this coming Saturday

But with just days left to go for clubs to complete their business, it looks set to be a busy week on Wearside as Sunderland’s new hierarchy eye the last-minute deals to complete Johnson’s squad ahead of the Black Cats’ promotion push.

Here, we take you through everything you need to know as it happens – including news, opinion, gossip and interviews:

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Sunderland AFC transfer news LIVE (Aug 26)

Key Events

  • Sunderland face Wycombe Wanderers at the Stadium of Light in League One on Saturday
  • The Black Cats defeated Blackpool 3-2 at Bloomfield Road in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday
  • Lee Johnson is set to face the media ahead of this weekend’s game

Bailey Wright latest

Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth and Hearts are interested in signing Bristol City defender Taylor Moore.

That’s according to Football Insider, who state that the trio are keen on Moore, who operate at centre-back and at right-back.

Bristol City said to be willing to loan out the 24-year-old in the final week of the window.

Wigan have also been credited with a long-term interest in Sunderland defender Bailey Wright.

But their interest in Wright may end if they can conclude a deal for Moore – but the Latics will face stiff competition for his signature.

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson recently stated that he had no intention of letting the defender depart the Stadium of Light.

Speaking about Wigan’s interest in Wright, Johnson said: “I’ve got zero appetite to lose Bailey Wright.

“Bailey has just had a beautiful little baby, and he’s only got a year left on his contract and there was interest, so naturally that’s going to spark up a thought process about where his future lies.

“But I’ve personally been extremely consistent in the desire to keep Bailey. He’s got to get in the team and play well, and then hopefully we can extend his contract. It’s as simple as that.

“I’ve seen the best of Bailey Wright, and obviously we’ve got to see that as much as possible, and I think we have this season.

“I think he’s had a good pre-season under his belt, a good off-season, and he’s worked hard with his injuries.

“He’s trusted as a captain of the club.”

Sunderland face Wigan away in the cup

Sunderland will travel to Wigan Athletic in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Black Cats beat Championship outfit Blackpool 3-2 on Tuesday night after beating Port Vale in the first round.

Lee Johnson’s side netted around £22,000 from the game at Port Vale.

The attendance at Bloomfield Road was 5,756 with the average ticket price roughly £15 for the clash.

That means Sunderland and Blackpool netted somewhere in the region of £38,000 each with the EFL taking home around £8,500.

In total, Sunderland have pocketed approximately £60,000 from their two Carabao Cup wins so far.

The tie will take place on the week commencing September 20.

Lee Johnson press conference coming up this lunchtime

The Sunderland boss will be speaking to the media this lunchtime ahead of the Wycombe game and final days of the transfer window.

Everton are reported to have launched a £5million bid for in-demand Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison.

Jebbison has been linked with Sunderland throughout the summer with the Black Cats facing competition from Doncaster Rovers and Burton Albion to secure a season-long loan deal.

But there is strong interest from several other clubs and a permanent move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

The Athletic report: “After a summer when it has felt like most of the English third tier has been queuing up to take the 18-year-old on loan, top-flight Everton made their move over the weekend with a bid believed to be worth in the region of £5 million, plus add-ons.”

It was rejected but Everton remain keen.

The transfer window closes on Tuesday, August 31 at 11pm.

Sunderland remain keen to add to their options ahead of the window closing, with the Black Cats having so far made seven summer signings.

Insight from the Leeds United camp

Lee Johnson on Carabao Cup draw and Wycombe

“I would have preferred a home draw. It would have been nice. It is what it is. They’re a team (Wigan) who are strong rivals for us.

“Tough game. Wycombe always put you on the back foot. They are masters of disrpution. This is a real good test for us. I’m looking forward to see how we cope. “

Lee Johnson on League One and transfers

“The focus is always the process and being on it. We feel that if our process is good then we have as good a chance as any to win as many matches as possible.

“We’re in the top ten most fancied

“It will take up a lot of time. It has done all summer. It’s been nice to see the rewards. When you work all ours watching clips and studying a personality, for everyone that comes in there’s four or five that have fallen down.”

Lee Johnson on squad and young players

“Holes in the squad mean they get opportunities. Certain players have done well from that. But we’re still clear on what we need but if we can’t bring in quality then we will wait.

“Versatility is a good thing and we can keep a tight-knit squad.. It can be difficult to manage a big squad. Players want to play football, they don’t think about money. We have to make everyone in the squad feel valued.”

Lee Johnson on feel good factor and injuries

“When you come in you don’t always have the perfect players to match the perfect style. At the end of the day, it’s all of the players that do the work.

“We have a lot of talent and a lot of youth with some experience sprinkled in.

“Burge will be fine to train tomorrow and Evans has been on the grass and looks good. Alves just had cramp. We’ll dust ourselves off and go again.

“It is a good chance to build him (Evans) up in terms of minutes and fitness.

“We’re always looking in all positions. Sunderland needs to have a heavy shirt and there needs to be competition. We’re looking to improve always in all areas.

“We have to work to a budget depending on what goes on. We’re always trying to maximise when you can do.”