Sunderland AFC transfer gossip: Cats to battle Swansea City over former Newcastle United target now at Brighton as rivals could suffer transfer blow
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The result leaves the Black Cats’ automatic promotion hopes in tatters as Lee Johnson’s side failed to bounce back after last weekend’s loss against Charlton Athletic at the Stadium of Light.
The loss against Wigan Athletic means Sunderland are now five points adrift of second-place Peterborough United but with no game in hand Posh.
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Hide AdThe Black Cats are now eight points off league-leaders Hull City but have just one game in hand on the Tigers plus a game to play against Grant McCann’s men.
Here, though, we take you through all of the latest news:
Sunderland and Swansea City target Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder
Sunderland and Swansea City are interested in signing Marc Leonard when the midfielder’s Brighton and Hove Albion contract expires in the summer transfer window.
That’s according to the Daily Record, who state that the soon-to-be free-agent Leonard is a man in demand.
The 19-year-old is said to be weighing up offers from the Swans and the Black Cats.
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Hide AdNewcastle United missed the chance to sign Leonard for £350,000 in January 2018, with the teenager swapping Hearts for Brighton.
Sunderland’s League One rivals receive interest in goalkeeper
Manchester United are interested in Matthew Cox, a goalkeeper at Sunderland’s League One rivals AFC Wimbledon.
The Telegraph are reporting that Manchester United are keeping an eye on the stopper before the summer.
Mark Robinson’s side could face a battle to keep hold of the 17-year-old despite him only making the bench a few times this season.
Lee Johnson delivers verdict after Wigan Athletic defeat
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Hide AdLee Johnson admitted that Wigan Athletic deserved their victory as Sunderland's automatic promotion hopes suffered a major dent at the DW Stadium.
“Obviously, goals change games and it’s been another scenario where we haven’t defended a set-play," Johnson said.
"In the last ten games or so, there’s been too many of those. It’s disappointing because you can’t keep giving teams a leg-up, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t think we deserved it today."