Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Middlesbrough eye Black Cats attackers as Lee Johnson prepares for Accrington Stanley

The Black Cats lifted the Papa John’s trophy at Wembley over the weekend, courtesy of Lynden Gooch’s winner, yet the league campaign has always been the priority.

Heading into the midweek fixtures, Sunderland are just two points off the automatic promotion places and have won six of their last seven in the league.

Johnson still has multiple injury concerns heading into the Accrington game after Tom Flanagan was forced off in the first half at Wembley.

Bailey Wright, Jordan Jones and Aiden O’Brien all missed the match, while Carl Winchester and Dion Sanderson were cup tied.

Accrington sit tenth in the table and are only four points off the play-offs but have suffered back-to-back defeats against Bristol Rovers and MK Dons.

Here, take a look at the news from the Stadium of Light as it unfolded throughout the day: