Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Charlie Wyke shares update as Luke O'Nien signs new deal

Sunderland continue to step up their preparations for the 2021/22 campaign - with Black Cats boss Lee Johnson hoping for a transfer breakthrough this week.

We’ll have the latest news, analysis, transfer talk and more throughout the day.

What a moment this will be.

It was announced yesterday that capacity crowds are set to return to football stadiums across England from July 19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced Government proposals to end lockdown restrictions from July 19, also dubbed Freedom Day. This includes the end of social distancing, the mandatory wearing of face coverings and the return of capacity crowds to sports events in England for the first time since March 2020.

The easing comes just ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League and Football League seasons set to start in early August. It also means restrictions won’t be in place for some friendly games that take place on or after July 19.

Read more HERE

Lee Johnson is hopeful that Sunderland will make a breakthrough in the transfer market this week.

The Black Cats head coach is hopeful that at least two players will arrive, with the club in advanced negotiations over a number of transfer targets.

Speaking following Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Spennymoor on Saturday, Johnson said: “We have actually got four or five current bids on the table for various positions so it’s not like we’re not moving.

“You always look at the transfer market and it’s, are they affordable? Are they accessible and are they available? So you don’t bid for somebody unless you feel they are affordable accessible and available and obviously it depends on transfer fee.

“Agents fees as well and at the moment, I think agents have been pretty unrealistic with the climate to the levels of percentages they want.”

Johnson has also heavily hinted that he expects Luke O’Nien to commit to a new deal - while talks are ongoing with Denver Hume.

After the Spennymoor match, the Black Cats boss said: “Denver is ongoing, that one I haven’t been too involved in on a personal level, to be honest,” he said.

“With Luke, I must have spoken to him every other day for the last three or four weeks.

“I’m hopeful on that one, but it’s not quite there yet.

“It’s good signs.”

Johnson has admitted, though, that Charlie Wyke is likely to depart, despite being offered a new contract.

Read more HERE

The 21-year-old made 31 SPL appearances for The Saints last season while helping the side win the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup double.

Several clubs, including SPL giants Celtic as well as Championship clubs Stoke City and Hull City, have already been credited with interest in McCann.

And according to reports in Scotland, via The Courier, Sunderland have joined the growing list of clubs keeping tabs on the midfielder.

McCann has also earned six caps for Northern Ireland and has been priced in the £2 million bracket by St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown.

Great news!

Luke O’Nien has signed a new three-year deal at the club.

After committing his future to Sunderland, O’Nien told the club’s website: “I’m delighted to sign a new contract with Sunderland. I’d like to thank Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman, and the owner and the staff, for putting their trust in me and enabling me to continue to play for this great club. Hearing their plans for the club and how they want to develop me personally was incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to get going again.”

Head coach Lee Johnson added: “We are all delighted that Luke that has re-signed for the club. He is a great character around the place and he’s perfect for the type of culture that we want to create, as well as being a very versatile and quality player – and one we hope can help us strive for the next level.”