Sunderland AFC transfer news round-up: Jermain Defoe's future revealed as promotion rivals suffer HUGE blow with Newcastle United winger recall

The Rangers boss then praised the impact of ex-England international and insisted he’s more than back up to star goal scorer Alfredo Morelos.

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland’s on-loan Reading striker Marc McNulty has emerged as a target for Swindon Town, according to national reports.

The Robins are in need of a new attacker this month after Eoin Doyle was recalled from his loan by League Two rivals Bradford City earlier this week.

McNulty – who has netted three times in all competitions this season – came on as a late substitute as Sunderland defeated Wycombe at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

In other news, former Cats striker Connor Wickham is set to re-join Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan following the arrival of Turkey forward Cenk Tosun. The forward spent a stint on loan a Hillsborough during the 2013-14 season.

Elsewhere, Leeds United left-back Laurens de Bock is set to join ADO Den Haag on loan after he returned from an unsuccessful loan stint with Sunderland.

Finally, Sunderland’s League One rivals and Saturday opponents have suffered a major transfer blow.

Rolando Aarons has returned to Newcastle United after a loan stint at Wycombe. The winger was always set to return to United after impressing in League One and helping Wycombe's promotion bid.