Striker that hammered Sunderland on Twitter could be set to leave League One rivals as Blackpool boss makes admission ahead of play-offs

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Sunderland are preparing to face Northampton Town this Sunday.

The Black Cats secured their play-off spot after a 3-1 win against Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

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Here, though, we take you through all of the latest transfer gossip and talk from around the division:

Blackpool boss has no preference for play-off opponents

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Cameron Jerome of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Plymouth Argyle at Stadium mk on March 16, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Cameron Jerome of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Plymouth Argyle at Stadium mk on March 16, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Cameron Jerome of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Plymouth Argyle at Stadium mk on March 16, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Neil Critchley insists he has no preference who he’d like his Blackpool side to face in the League One play-off semi-finals.

The Seasiders booked their spot in the top six with a game to spare on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

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It makes Sunday’s final day game against Joey Barton’s already relegated Bristol Rovers side a dead rubber.

However, Pool – alongside Sunderland – are still playing for their final league position which will determine who they face in the semi-finals.

When asked if he has any preference, Critchley told The Gazette: “No, I don’t honestly. They’re all good teams.

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“Sunderland were very good against us, Lincoln have beaten us and drawn with us and who knows with the final one, whether it’s Portsmouth, Oxford or Charlton.

“They’re all good teams and big clubs, so it’ll be tough.”

Kevin Phillips delivers Charlie Wyke and Ross Stewart verdict

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has delivered his verdict on Charlie Wyke and Ross Stewart.

Speaking to Football Insider about Stewart, Phillips said: "At the end of the day, if Charlie Wyke leaves, Sunderland need someone to step up and fill the void.

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"If Sunderland weren't to go up, Wyke will more than likely move on and in Stewart they have a ready-made replacement.

"When I see that finish the other night [against Plymouth], there is no reason why he cannot step up next season."

Cameron Jerome unlikely to remain at MK Dons next season

Cameron Jerome is unlikely to remain at MK Dons next season.

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Jerome aimed a brutal attack on Sunderland after scoring in MK Dons' 2-1 win over the Black Cats back in 2020.

Following the game, he said: "Don't often tweet but let me throw something out there!!

"Maybe a nibble, maybe tongue in cheek. Poor, poor side with average players for the league.

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"It's time to accept you're now a bang average League One team now.

"Glory days have gone. Let it go, Sunderland."

The tweet, which was posted at 1.27 in the morning, was deleted. But now, the striker seems likely to leave MK Dons.

"He has been a huge part of our squad this season, scored a lot of goals too and if it was just down to football, he'd stay," Dons manager Russell Martin said "But he has seen his kids a lot less than before, he has been away from home in a tough year. It has been a lonely period for the guys whose families are a long way away.

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"We'd like him to stay but I feel it's unlikely to be honest. He might end up staying which would be fantastic, but at this stage he wants to be closer to home. And he has interest from the Championship, which at his age is good going. He appreciates how well it has gone here and how much he has enjoyed it.

"There are discussions ongoing, but that's our expectation. We can't do any more to try and keep him."

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