Sunderland AFC transfer news and rumours LIVE: Alex Pritchard closes in on move plus Joe Pigott updates

Here, we take you through all of the latest Sunderland and League One transfer gossip and news from around the web:

Blackpool loan star Elliot Embleton has the chance to earn a long-term deal with parent club Sunderland but could be available for the right price. (Blackpool Gazette)

Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Alex Pritchard with just a handful of details needing to be sorted as part of the deal. The former £11m attacking midfielder is a free agent following his release from Huddersfield Town. (Football League World)

Ipswich Town midfielder Teddy Bishop is wanted by Lincoln City, MK Dons and Portsmouth. Ipswich triggered a release clause in his contract at the end of last season which extended his stay for a further 12 months. (East Anglian Daily Times)

Sunderland are interested in bringing Ali McCann to Wearside. Celtic, Hull City and Stoke City are also said to be targeting a move for the 21-year-old, who is said to be valued by his club at £2m. (The Courier)

The Doncaster Rovers squad is set to be joined in training by more trialists ahead of Saturday’s first friendly of pre-season. Rovers boss Richie Wellens welcomed in four trialists last week while former West Ham United defender Tunji Akinola has trained with the club this week. (Doncaster Free Press)

Sunderland target Joe Pigott has resumed pre-season training at AFC Wimbledon – but the striker is not set for a U-turn on his decision to leave the club. head coach Mark Robinson describing the move as a “favour”. (London News Online)

There’s been some movement around League One in terms of transfers.

Charlie Wyke has moved to Sunderland’s third-tier promotion rivals Wigan Athletic after the striker rejected fresh terms on Wearside.

And it has also been announced that Chris Maguire has joined Lincoln City following his release by the Black Cats at the end of last season.

Michael Appleton says Chris Maguire will bring leadership and experience to his League One squad.

Maguire has signed a two-year deal at Lincoln City following his release from Sunderland earlier this summer.

The Imps are facing an important summer of rebuilding after a number of the loanees who powered their run to the play-off final, which included a semi-final win over the Black Cats, returned to their parent clubs.

Appleton has worked with Maguire before, when the pair enjoyed considerable success at Oxford United.

The Lincoln boss said that Maguire’s versatility would be key for the campaign ahead.

“He brings us a lot of quality in two or three positions, he is very experienced so will help the group in difficult moments throughout the season,” he said.

“He is a leader who brings some real knowhow, he will really help the young players in the group and help bring a balance to the squad.”

The striker announced in May that he would be leaving the Dons once his contract expired.

“Joe is training with us – he wants to keep himself sharp,” Robinson told the South London Press. “He asked if he could train with us and I had absolutely no issues.

“Some people might think that is a bit bizarre, but he scored 60 goals for us and was a huge part of keeping is up for three seasons. He is part of the family. As long as he turns up and gives everything, which he does, then I see absolutely no issue. I’m more than happy to help him on that journey.

“To have that quality in and around for pre-season is a no-brainer.”

Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore has heavily hinted that his side are keen on St Johnstone defender Jamie McCart.

The Owls boss said: “It’s difficult for me to talk about a player who’s at another club.

“But what I will say is that, yes, I do know of him and he is a tremendous player. A good, good player.

“It’s not surprised me there’s been a lot of clubs touted for him and talking about him.”

Sunderland have also been linked with a move for the centre back, with St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson confirming bids for McCart and fellow in-demand man Shaun Rooney already rejected.

“We have had a couple of offers for two of our players – Jamie and Shaun – but nothing to make us think seriously about them,” he told the Dundee Courier.

“I’ll only start to worry as a manager if more realistic offers start to come in.”

The EFL have confirmed that Fleetwood Town and Gillingham are both operating under a transfer embargo.

Clubs last month agreed an amendment to the EFL regulations, allowing the league’s governing bodies to declare which sides were operating with restrictions in the market.

The EFL published that list for the first time last night, and it included Sunderland’s two League One rivals.

Both clubs are under restrictions under the terms of their monitored loan agreement; funds they received in addition to the grants given to clubs last year to help them cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.