Released Sunderland defender could head to India as League One rivals sign Newcastle United man

Here’s the latest from Sunderland and their rivals:

Tommy Smith interesting Indian outfit

New Zealand international defender Tommy Smith is still searching for a new club after leaving Sunderland.

The centre back, who failed to make a first-team appearance for the Black Cats, has been training with Colchester United and was also thought to be a potential target for Hearts as they seek defensive reinforcements.

Talks with the Scottish side are understood to have come to nothing, leaving the 30-year-old to continue his search for a club.

But a move to India could now be on the cards, with TM India reporting that Smith is on the radar of Kerala Blasters – the Indian Super League side who have been hunting for a new defender all summer.

The Tuskers have previously signed a number of high-profile internationals, including former Black Cat Wes Brown and Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.

League One side sign Newcastle United defender

Plymouth Argyle have signed Newcastle defender Kelland Watts on a season-long loan deal.

Watts spent time on loan with Mansfield Town and Stevenage in League Two last season, and says he is looking forward to making the step-up.

“In the off-season, I was speaking to my agent and Shola [Ameobi], the loan co-ordinator from Newcastle, mentioned it,” he told Argyle’s official website.

"When I heard that Plymouth were interested, looking into them, the gaffer’s style of play – playing three at the back – it excited me.

"I could have gone somewhere closer to home, but I decided to come to Argyle because of the gaffer’s style of play and the fanbase of the club.”

Doncaster Rovers opt against handing a deal to Sunderland academy graduate

Doncaster Rovers have decided against handing a deal to Sunderland academy graduate Nathan Thomas.

Thomas was released by Sheffield United in the summer having spent the last 18 months on loan at Carlisle United, and had been on trial at Rovers this summer.

But the Doncaster Free Press now claim that Thomas has left the club without a deal.

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