Sunderland AFC transfer news and rumours RECAP: Cats linked with swoop for ex-Newcastle United man

The Sunderland squad returned to training at the Academy of Light on Monday, with all eyes on the club’s incoming transfer business.
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Lee Johnson & Co have much to do ahead of the new season, with Sunderland – who travel to Spennymoor on Saturday – yet to make a signing.

The futures of several Sunderland players is yet to be determined including Charlie Wyke Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady and Denver Hume.

The quartet have all been offered new contracts.

Jamie SterryJamie Sterry
Jamie Sterry
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Wyke is out of contract this summer at Sunderland and as previously reported by the Echo, he is expected to move on.

Celtic are interested, with several Championship clubs also keeping tabs on Sunderland’s 31-goal top scorer from last season.

Speaking at his unveiling, new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has vowed to bring a new perspective to the Hoops, with Celtic expected to make around 15 new signings this summer.

We’ll have the latest SAFC transfer news throughout the day – with some fresh faces linked with the club.

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SAFC transfer news: Contract latest from the Stadium of Light (Tuesday, June 29)

Key Events

  • Sunderland returned to training on Monday.
  • The Black Cats are yet to sign any players, while their rivals continue to strengthen.

We’ll have the latest transfer and contract news for you throughout the day.

The SAFC squad returned to training on Monday at the Academy of Light.

Lee Johnson has been speaking

Lee Johnson says the pre-season period will be vital in avoiding the injuries that proved so costly for the Black Cats last season.

Johnson operated with a threadbare defence for much of the second half of the campaign, with an injury to Dion Sanderson in particular having a major impact on the side.

Though some of those injuries were unavoidable, with both Jordan Willis and Arbenit Xhemajli suffering major knee problems, Johnson is eager to prevent the kind of issues that he believes were initially inevitable as a result of the move to a more aggressive pressing style.

Xhemajli, meanwhile, was on the grass at the Academy of Light on Monday as he continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery.

Johnson welcomes the investment in the club

The summer period has seen investment in a number of areas behind the scenes, including the Academy of Light and its pitches.

Johnson says there is still much work to be done as the League One kick-off begins to near.

“I’m excited because I know how important the pre-season period is,” Johnson said.

“We’ve got to get a lot of things right.

“This club is a do-upper, whether that’s doing up the buildings inside, the squad needing the rejig that we’re going to give it, or whether it’s adding quality staff to the backroom team that we’ve already got.

“It’s a big job for the powers to be, to get this great club to where it needs to be.”

These youngsters are going to receive a huge opportunity...

Sunderland set to seal DOUBLE defender deal?

Sunderland have been linked with a double defender swoop ahead of the new season.

Firstly, Football Insider claim that the Black Cats have agreed terms with Tyrese Dyce after his exit from West Brom - with the left-back having impressed on trial last season.

And then reports from Ireland claim that Derry City captain Eoin Toal is also being monitored by Sunderland, as well as Scottish side Hearts.

Clark Robertson has revealed the truth behind transfer links with Sunderland – after signing for League One rivals Portsmouth.

The Scottish defender was linked with a move to Wearside this summer following his release from Rotherham United, but eventually put pen to paper on a deal at Fratton Park.

Sunderland weren’t the only side credited with an interest in Robertson either, with Aberdeen and Hapoel Jerusalem also thought to be keen on a move.

So what was the truth behind the situation?

An update on Giorgi Aburjania...

Sunderland linked with move for ex-Newcastle United defender

Sunderland have been linked with a move for former Newcastle United full-back Jamie Sterry.

The right-back is out of contract at Hartlepool United this summer and, having caught the eye en route to promotion from the National League last season, is attracting interest.

NE Sports News claim that Sunderland, Oldham, Walsall and Bolton are all keen on Sterry - who has also been offered fresh terms by Pools.

Here’s where things stand with Will Grigg and MK Dons...

George Dobson is training with the Sunderland squad...