Leeds United and Blackburn 'approach' for Chelsea star as Sunderland's Championship rivals eye £2m striker

It’s been almost four months since Sunderland parted ways with Michael Beale and a permanent replacement is yet to be hired. Mike Dodds took interim charge and led the Black Cats to a disappointing 16th-place finish in the Championship, with those in charge at the Stadium of Light yet to find a more permanent man to take charge for next season.

The lack of a manager will make it more difficult for Sunderland to recruit once the summer transfer window opens on Friday, with prospective arrivals not yet sure who will lead them into the 2024/25 campaign if they do make the move. But there is plenty of action elsewhere across the division and the Sunderland Echo has rounded up some of the latest headlines from across the second-tier.

Gilchrist eyed

Three of Sunderland’s Championship rivals are said to have expressed their interest in taking Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist on loan. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End have all made ‘formative approaches’ as the race for one of Stamford Bridge’s hottest young prospects intensifies.

Gilchrist broke into the Chelsea first-team last season and made 17 appearances across all competitions, albeit only five came from the start with the 20-year-old thought to be keen on finding regular football elsewhere for a year. Jacobs adds that the versatile defender, who can play centre-back or full-back, would be ‘open’ to joining Leeds in particular and helping in their fight for promotion under Daniel Farke.

Leeds will make defensive reinforcements a priority this summer, with on-loan pair Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts returning to Tottenham and Burnley respectively, while Charlie Cresswell could leave amid a lack of minutes. Archie Gray spent much of last season at right-back but will want to move into his more natural midfield role if he remains at Elland Road.

Boro striker talks

Middlesbrough are reportedly in talks with Tottenham Hotspur regarding their 19-year-old striker, Will Lankshear. LondonWorld reports that Boro manager Michael Carrick is keen on the teenager, who will likely leave on loan - although a permanent deal has not been ruled out either.

Tottenham paid Sheffield United £2million for Lankshear in 2022 but a clear path to first-team football has not been carved out and more regular football will likely come from elsewhere. There is also thought to be interest in the striker from other Championship clubs and across Europe.

Luton blow

Luton Town face a battle to keep hold of Teden Mengi with reports of Premier League interest in the defender. The Standard reports that Fulham are ‘keen’ on the 22-year-old and in need of defensive reinforcements, having seen Tosin Adarabioyo turn down contract offers to join Chelsea as a free agent.

The Hatters only signed Mengi from Manchester United last summer and despite their instant relegation from the Premier League, took plenty of positives of which the centre-back was one. But his form has caught the eye of top-flight clubs and Fulham are now weighing up the possibility of tabling a bid.