Sunderland AFC transfer rumours and news RECAP: Charlie Wyke and Clark Robertson latest as Cats' rivals eye deals

A club statement reads:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Louise Wanless, aged 52.

Louise joined the club from Middlesbrough FC in 2003 and spent over 16 years overseeing its Media and Communications department.

A hugely popular and well-respected figure within the game, she was held in immense regard by all at SAFC and served the club with unwavering dedication, an unrivalled work ethic and a fierce determination.

Louise’s outstanding contribution to football was recognised two years ago when she was presented with the John Fotheringham Award at the 2019 North East Football Writers’ Awards.

SAFC’s former club captain, Kevin Ball, said: “We are devastated to learn of Louise’s passing. She was an extremely special person, and a valued friend, who dedicated her life to football and to Sunderland AFC. Louise had a real knack with people, always coming up with the right answer at the right time and knowing what to say and when. From players and staff to members of the press, and all those that were fortunate enough to meet or work with Louise, she was not just an esteemed colleague, but a true friend. She will be deeply missed by all at the Stadium of Light and many more within the game.”

All at Sunderland AFC send their heartfelt condolences to Louise’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.

A club statement reads:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Louise Wanless, aged 52.

Louise joined the club from Middlesbrough FC in 2003 and spent over 16 years overseeing its Media and Communications department.

A hugely popular and well-respected figure within the game, she was held in immense regard by all at SAFC and served the club with unwavering dedication, an unrivalled work ethic and a fierce determination.

Louise’s outstanding contribution to football was recognised two years ago when she was presented with the John Fotheringham Award at the 2019 North East Football Writers’ Awards.

SAFC’s former club captain, Kevin Ball, said: “We are devastated to learn of Louise’s passing. She was an extremely special person, and a valued friend, who dedicated her life to football and to Sunderland AFC. Louise had a real knack with people, always coming up with the right answer at the right time and knowing what to say and when. From players and staff to members of the press, and all those that were fortunate enough to meet or work with Louise, she was not just an esteemed colleague, but a true friend. She will be deeply missed by all at the Stadium of Light and many more within the game.”

All at Sunderland AFC send their heartfelt condolences to Louise’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.

The 2021/22 Premier League fixture schedule has been released today – and it could have some knock-on effects for Sunderland.

The Black Cats will have to wait until next Thursday (June 24) to discover their fixtures for the new League One campaign, in what will be Lee Johnson’s first full season in charge of the club.

But we may have already had an early indication as to where Sunderland will be playing on some key dates.

Newcastle United’s fixtures for the 2021/22 season were released today and, traditionally, the Magpies and the Wearsiders will not play at home on the same weekends.

With fans set to return to games in some capacity this season – with discussions ongoing about what level of crowd will be permitted for the start of the new campaign – that trend is likely to continue.

So with that in mind, where could Sunderland be playing on some key fixture dates?

WE TAKE A LOOK HERE

Sunderland have been handed a potential transfer boost.The Black Cats have been linked with a deal for defender Clark Robertson during the summer window.

The centre-back is set to depart Championship outfit Rotherham United this month.

Robertson’s departure from the New York Stadium has prompted interest from Sunderland, Portsmouth and Aberdeen.

The 27-year-old played for The Dons between 2009 and 2015 having been born in the area and rising up through the youth ranks.

That had prompted strong speculation that Robertson would return to Pittodrie Stadium.

However, Robertson is ‘more likely’ to stay in England this summer, as per a report by the Daily Record.

Aberdeen are said to have made an offer for the in-demand defender but he may well be remaining in the EFL.

Both Sunderland and Portsmouth are reportedly interested as both Lee Johnson and Danny Cowley target promotion next campaign.

Charlie Wyke is set to reject Championship interest to join Celtic – according to reports.

Wyke, who scored 31 goals last season, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light this summer.

The target man was offered fresh terms on Wearside alongside Aiden McGeady, Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume.

Middlesbrough and Russian side CSKA Moscow have been credited with an interest in the Teesside-born forward.

Reports today, however, suggest that the 28-year-old is set to reject interest from the Championship.

Championship clubs Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Millwall have also held talks this summer.

The Northern Echo state that Wyke is closing in on a move to Scottish giants Celtic, who have just confirmed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager.

The report also claims Celtic have already held talks with Wyke and his representatives.

But the Hoops are now said to be ready to make a firm offer for Wyke which would see Sunderland’s top scorer depart for nothing.

Emanuele Giaccherini, 36, has revealed that he believes his playing days are over. The former Sunderland midfielder said: “I will no longer play in Chievo. I haven’t decided 100 percent yet, but it may have been the last year of my career. I think so, I still have to think about ten days, but I could say goodbye to football.” (SkySport24)

Gillingham manager Steve Evans is hopeful of making ‘three or four’ signings by the end of the week. The Gills boss says he’s met up to 20 players this summer. (KentOnline)

Sunderland are close to securing a move for goalkeeper Jacob Carney. The Manchester United stopper is set to be available on a free transfer. (The Sun)

Charlie Wyke is set to reject Championship interest to join Celtic. Second-tier clubs Cardiff City Nottingham Forest and Millwall have also apparently held talks this summer. (Northern Echo)

West Brom midfielder Rekeem Harper is set to leave the Baggies to join League One side Ipswich Town. (Express & Star)

Aberdeen and Sunderland-linked centre-back Clark Robertson is set to depart Championship outfit Rotherham United this month. However, Robertson is ‘more likely’ to stay in England this summer. (Daily Record)

Charlton Athletic have made a bid to sign Sunderland-linked Jayden Stockley from Preston North End but Portsmouth remain in pole position to sign the striker. (Various)