Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Dion Sanderson latest amid Sheffield United, Stoke City and Birmingham links
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Lee Johnson’s side will face Spennymoor Town on Saturday, July 3 while another friendly match against Harrogate Town has also been confirmed.
On the transfer front, reports surfaced this week that Sunderland have seen a bid rejected for Wolves Dion Sanderson.
Here’s the latest news, transfer talk, analysis and more from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland transfer news LIVE (June 23)
Key Events
- Sunderland are still searching for a breakthrough on the transfer and contract front
- Charlie Wyke, Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien have all been offered new deals at the Stadium of Light
- The Black Cats face Spennymoor Town in their first friendly on July 3
- Sunderland will learn their Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy opponents later this week
Sunderland-linked midfielder snubs rival offer
Sunderland-linked midfielder Ethan Ross has snubbed a deal at Aberdeen – opening the door for a move to England.
The young midfielder has been linked with the Black Cats and Championship side Blackburn Rovers this summer, with other sides south of the border understood to be monitoring the situation.
Ross, 19, spent time last season on loan at Scottish Championship outfit Raith Rovers and had been expected to challenge for a first-team place at Pittodrie this season.
He was offered fresh terms by the Dons, but The Press & Journal now report that Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass is resigned to losing the winger after he informed the club that he would not be returning for pre-season.
What next for Sanderson?
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has run through the key questions and his take on what might happen next for Dion Sanderson.
Read more HERE
Dion Sanderson reports
Wolves have reportedly rejected an opening bid from Sunderland for defender Dion Sanderson.
The-21-year-old impressed while on loan at the Stadium of Light last season before his spell on Wearside was cut short due to injury.
Sunderland are keen to re-sign the centre-back, who is attracting interest from several clubs and only has one year left on his contract at Wolves.
Championship clubs Cardiff, Birmingham, Stoke, Luton and Millwall have all been credited with interest, while it’s understood Sheffield United are keeping tabs on the player.
Yet according to the Daily Mail, Sunderland have made an initial offer, understood to be around £1million, for Sanderson which has been swiftly rejected by Wolves.
Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy details
Sunderland will know their opponents in the Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy later this week.
The first-round Carabao Cup Round draw will take place live on Sky Sports at 3:40pm on Thursday 24 June, the same day the EFL fixture lists will be released.
Like last year’s competition, the first round will be drawn in Northern and Southern sections, meaning Sunderland could draw one of 34 sides including EFL newcomers Hartlepool United and Sheffield United.
First-round ties will take place on the week commencing August 9.
The Papa John’s Trophy draw will then take place live on Sky Sports at 4:30pm, which will also be split into Northern and Southern sections and include 16 invited Under-21 sides.
Pre-season latest
Harrogate Town have become Sunderland’s third confirmed pre-season opponents.
The League Two side have announced that they will welcome Lee Johnson’s side on Saturday July 24, with kick off at 3pm.
Thus far, Sunderland have announced a trip to Spennymoor Town on July 3, also a 3pm kick off, and a trip to York City on Wednesday July 21, kicking off at 7pm.
Ticket details are yet to be confirmed for that trip to York, while Spennymoor have confirmed that they will only be able to accommodate a limited number of home supporters.