Sunderland AFC transfer news: Cats eye free agent as former winger nears move to North East rivals

Sunderland face Ipswich Town this evening – but not all the talk has been about the clash at the Stadium of Light.
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Here, we round up the biggest headlines surrounding the Black Cats today:

Ex-Preston defender linked

Sunderland are considering a move for young defender Lewie Earl, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

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The 19-year-old started out in Preston North End’s academy ranks before recently going on trial at Burnley, earlier this year.

Unfortunately for Earl, he has since been let go by the Premier League club, despite appearing in their under-23s fixture against Newcastle United last month.

Nixon tweeted: “Sunderland. Looking at young centre half Lewie Earl. Left Burnley. Free agent.”

Watmore set for Boro move

Former Sunderland winger Duncan Watmore is set to sign a short-term deal with North East rivals Middlesbrough.

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The 26-year-old ended his seven years on Wearside in the summer having been largely impacted injuries.

Watmore did not rush into joining another club and has instead spent the last two weeks training with Boro.

Neil Warnock is keen to sign Watmore on an initial deal until January - and as reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, that could be wrapped up very, very soon.

“Duncan Watmore is set to sign a short-term deal with Middlesbrough - possibly today - after Robbie Fowler’s East Bengal offered the forward a contract,” tweeted Downie.

“Boro boss Neil Warnock didn’t want to miss out on Watmore, who’s been training with his Boro team for two weeks. #MFC #Boro”