Sunderland AFC news: Former striker reveals Arsenal dream plus Portsmouth plan for League One run-in

The 21-year-old frontman left Wearside just over a year ago to join top-flight French side Bordeaux.

Maja has scored five goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season but hasn’t started a league match since the middle of December.

The striker signed a four-and-a-half deal at Bordeaux but admits he’d like to return to England in the future.

“Obviously, growing up in London, one of my dreams is to play in the Premier League,” Maja told beIN Sports.

“Hopefully in the future, that opportunity comes. My team is Arsenal, so hopefully one day I’ll get the opportunity to play for them. If not, then I’ll keep supporting.”

League One boss ready to rotate

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett says he’s ready to rotate his squad to try and secure promotion from League One.

Pompey, who lost to Sunderland in the play-offs last season, are three points off the automatic promotion places this campaign, despite a congested fixture list.

Jackett’s side were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday night and are also preparing for the Leasing.com Trophy final against Salford City on April 5.

Yet Jackett believes the squad are better prepared for this season’s run-in after running out of steam last campaign.

“With eight games in January and February, as well as seven in March, the side is going to change,” said Jackett, speaking to Pompey’s official website following the Arsenal defeat.

“We have quite a few players fit and available now and we have to use them – it’s no use if what’s perceived as your best side has no energy.

“Players want to be out there, but they can see the big picture. We ran out of steam towards the end of last season and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

“There’s been a high volume of matches for us and a really tough schedule, so you have to use common sense.”