Leeds United 'demand £30m' amid Premier League transfer tussle as Wayne Rooney 'strikes loan deal'

Sunderland will be pressing on with their preparations for next season after appointing Roger Le Bris as their new head coach. The Black Cats have plenty of work to do after a disappointing season of last, although much of the poor form can probably be blamed on the managerial instability given there were two sackings last term.

Fans - and indeed Le Bris - will be hoping for a more stable season in the dugout during the upcoming campaign, and much of the important work begins now with pre-season and summer recruitment. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest from the rest of the Championship.

Gray interest

Leeds United starlet Archie Gray is said to be attracting attention from a number of London clubs this summer. The Daily Mail report Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all interested in Gray, who is viewed as one of the biggest talents in the country at 18 years of age. The youngster stood out at both full-back and midfield for Leeds last season as they reached the play-off final.

It’s claimed Gray will command a transfer fee of £30million or more, with Leeds demanding a minimum fee of £30million, while they will be hoping they can spark up a bidding war between Premier League clubs.

Gyabi loan deal close

Plymouth Argyle are said to be close to wrapping up a deal for Leeds United youngster Darko Gyabi. Football Insider report the midfielder will link up with Wayne Rooney at Home Park having spent the back-end of last season on loan with the Pilgrims.

Whites boss Farke said of Gyabi when he joined Plymouth on loan last season: “Darko was in last week’s U21 training, he’s trained with them. We feel it will be good for him to go on loan because he has to grow up in his maturity on a senior level. We are working behind the scenes on a loan deal for him and we are carefully optimistic we will find a good loan deal for him.”

Sharp on Blades issues

New Doncaster Rovers signing Billy Sharp has issued his verdict on Sheffield United’s challenges this summer as they look to address finances while remaining competitive. “Sheffield United have a lot of work to do. With minus-two points and this takeover which is taking forever to go through. I think that's holding up ins and outs, which isn't ideal. I know there are players out of contract who Sheffield United probably want to sign, but haven't been able to at the minute.

“I know there's a lot of frustration around the club, I'm a Sheffield United fan so I want things to get sorted and I want to see them back up and running. I don't want to see them fall any further down and they're going to find it tough to start the season, to get that first win just to get back into the plus points. Hopefully myself, Doncaster and Sheffield United can have a good season next season.”