Jermain Defoe in contention for emotional second debut as Sunderland's manager search continues

Sunderland have said that they expect Jermain Defoe to go straight into the matchday squad for Saturday's visit of Doncaster Rovers.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Defoe is in line for an emotional second debut at the Stadium of Light, with over 34,000 tickets sold as of Friday lunchtime, with the club donating £1 of every ticket sale to The Bradley Lowery Foundation.

Fellow deadline-day arrival Jay Matete could also be in line to go into the matchday squad following his arrival from

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland are understood not to have any new injury concerns, with Bailey Wright sidelined for another week with a calf problem.

Jermain Defoe is line for a second debut at the Stadium of Light on SaturdayJermain Defoe is line for a second debut at the Stadium of Light on Saturday
Jermain Defoe is line for a second debut at the Stadium of Light on Saturday

The Black Cats have been surveying the free agent market for an additional defender after their bid to replace Tom Flanagan on deadline day fell short.

Sunderland will be led on Saturday afternoon by the interim management team of Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor, with the search for Lee Johnson's replacement ongoing.

The club hierarchy, led by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, were holding talks with Roy Keane on Friday afternoon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both parties are interested in what would be a stunning return to management for Keane, who feels he has unfinished business on Wearside.

Keane is the overwhelming favourite with the bookmakers, and is known to have strong support within the club, where it is felt that he could offer significant leadership and presence through the pressure of the final months of the promotion push.

Sunderland have spoken to multiple other candidates over the last two days, however, including Grant McCann and Alex Neil.

The Times reported on Friday lunchtime that Sabri Lamouchi, the former Nottingham Forest boss, is also a contender.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor