Sunderland AFC transfer news: Cats eye ex-Manchester United and Barnsley man, pundit labels Sunderland as 'brilliant' and 'incredible', rivals running out of time on contracts

And the Black Cats come into the game in good form, with Lee Johnson’s side unbeaten in eight games in all competitions following a win on Tuesday.

Goals from Charlie Wyke and Jordan Jones were enough to give Lee Johnson’s side a first victory against Portsmouth at Fratton Park since 1997.

There’s still plenty of Sunderland-related transfer talk swirling around the web this morning – with some interesting gossip from the Black Cats’ third-tier rivals too.

Sunderland looking at trialists

Sunderland have are looking to take another player on trial.

The Black Cats are looking to take Gateshead youngster Danny Greenfield on a two-week trial.

The former Manchester United academy midfielder has been one of the highlights of the Heed’s disjointed National League North campaign and has attracted scouts from several EFL clubs during the season.

The 20-year-old initially moved to the International Stadium in the summer of 2019 following his release from SkyBet Championship club Barnsley and penned a one-year deal after impressing in pre-season friendlies against Northern League duo Hebburn Town and Consett.

The news comes after Sunderland took Tottenham youngster Aaron Skinner on trial.

The player – who signed a professional contract with Spurs last year – was described as a ‘wonderkid’ and ‘one of the club's brightest talents’ by Football London.

Pundit impressed with Sunderland display against Portsmouth

Former player turned pundit Sam Parkin was complimentary of Sunderland’s 2-0 away at Portsmouth on Quest yesterday evening.

“Brilliant. Incredible momentum,” Parkin explained.

"Completely patched up defensively but this was a brilliant piece of play by Luke O’Nien [for Charlie Wyke’s goal] who works a block on Raggett.

“And Charlie Wyke with an outstanding header.

“When you’ve got him and McGeady right at the top of their games, they’re trouble for anyone else.

On Sunderland’s second against Pompey, he said: “And that’s Raggett who was played a little bit of a hospital pass.

“You’ve got to say he didn’t want the ball there but Jordan Jones anticipates it well – and it is a beautiful cute finish.”

Sunderland’s promotion rivals put contract talks on hold

Peterborough United have been forced to put contract talks with key players on hold because of the pandemic and the scrapping of the salary cap squad rules.

Nathan Thompson, Dan Butler, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Sam Cartwright are among those out of contract at the end of the current season.

Posh do, however, have the option to trigger an additional year on all of them according to the Peterborough Telegraph

Siriki Dembele is in the same boat and will be offered an improved deal should Posh win promotion to the Championship.

If Posh fail to go up it’s likely Dembele will be sold to ensure he can’t leave on a free transfer at the end of next season.

Sunderland owner set for video call with fans

Sunderland’s new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will attend a video meeting with the club’s supporter groups later this month.

Red & White Army have confirmed on Twitter that a structured dialogue will take place on Wednesday, March 24 via Zoom, with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman and Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison also set to attend.