Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke injury latest as Cats prepare for Northampton

Sunderland will know who they will face in the play-offs after Sunday’s game.
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Sunderland welcome Northampton Town to the Stadium of Light on Sunday in what will be their last league game before the play-offs begin.

The Black Cats had previously gone seven games without a win but put three past Argyle to cement their play-off place.

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Key duo Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady both missed out at Plymouth Argyle with minor injury issues.

Lee JohnsonLee Johnson
Lee Johnson

McGeady has been suffering with swelling to the foot of late and also has a broken nose, while Wyke, who has not missed a league game in 2021, is managing a thigh issue.

But will they start against Northampton Town on Sunday or will Lee Johnson opt to rest both attackers before the play-offs get underway on May 18 and 19?

We’ll have the latest injury news, analysis and more from the Stadium of Light throughout the day.

RECAP: Sunderland AFC transfer news (May 6)

Key Events

  • Sunderland are set to face Northampton Town on Sunday
  • The Black Cats secured a play-off place against Plymouth Argyle last weekend
  • Lee Johnson will face the press at 12:30pm ahead of Sunday’s fixture

Contract talks opened with Jermain Defoe amidst reported Sunderland

Steven Gerrard opens talks with Jermain Defoe

Steven Gerrard has revealed Rangers have opened talks with Jermain Defoe

The 38-year-old former England forward scored in Sunday’s 4-1 Old Firm mauling of Celtic and has been linked with a potential return to Sunderland.

Now Gerrard has confirmed discussions have taken place to map out the frontman’s future as his contract is set to expire.

“It goes without saying that Jermain Defoe is someone I have the ultimate respect and admiration for,” the Rangers boss said.

“He’s been a wonderful player. He’s had a wonderful career. To get him up here in the first place was something I was keen to do, because I knew he would help the group in the way he goes about his business. He’s a top professional.

“We’re in talks with Jermain at the moment about what’s next for Jermain. But we want to be really respectful, we want to give him the time to make his own decisions.

“I think he’s at a stage in his life where we’ll listen to Jermain and see what he wants to do moving forward.

“We’ll go from there. I don’t think it’s right for me to divulge right now what’s been said from my point of view and from his. But we’ll certainly respect Jermain in terms of his own decisions moving forward.”

Former Newcastle United winger makes Jordan Jones comment

Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie had delivered his verdict on the Jordan Jones situation

He said to Football Fan Cast: “Sunderland is a big club but they need to get promoted from League One, because I think Jordan Jones is too good for League One and he is an important player for Northern Ireland when he does play.

“So hopefully he can finish the season strongly and earn himself a move away because we need players playing as high up the leagues as possible for Northern Ireland.”

The League One table heading into the final day of the regular season

Lee Johnson has made this encouraging Jack Diamond prediction...

Kevin Phillips believes Sunderland have a ‘ready-made’ Charlie Wyke replacement

Speaking to Football Insider, the club legend said he feels that Ross Stewart could step-up if Wyke departs the Stadium of Light this summer.

Yes. Hopefully we will see the best of him between now and the end of the season but if not definitely next season.

It was a cracking goal. A great finish. Stewart showed with that deft finish the other day that he can find the back of the net.

At the end of the day, if Charlie Wyke left Sunderland need someone to step up and fill the void. If Sunderland weren’t to go up, Wyke will more than likely move on and in Stewart they have a ready-made replacement.

Kevin Phillips

The latest transfer talk and gossip from around League One

With the League One season drawing to a close, Sunderland and their rivals are turning their attentions to the summer.

We take a look at the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip from around the third tier:

Lee Johnson will face the press at 12:30pm

The Sunderland head coach is set to offer updates on Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke while previewing the game with Northampton Town.

We’ll have live updates right here!

And this is what the Sunderland boss has had to say ahead of the game against Northampton Town...

On his ideal outcome for Sunday...

I want to win and perform well. I want to tickle a few with minutes and I might use my five subs based on what’s required for us rather than the game moment or game management. We’re in a position where we need to peak for the semi-final.

On securing home advantage in second leg...

I’m genuinely not that worried about who we play. If you want to be successful you’ll end up playing the best two teams anyway. I’m looking forward to it.

On this week...

I’ve been very excited this week because I can actually coach! The boys have come back very perky, I’d say, after a few days off.

On injuries...

I won’t be taking any risks that are untoward. The risk-reward factor will be key. Flanagan has now had a week to ten days training. That is 50-50. McGeady, Wyke, Vokins if they’re fit.

On McGeady and Wyke decision...

Both of those are players who want to get going and play every minute of every game. With big lads like Charlie you need to keep them oiled.

On how Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is feeling about the play-offs...

I think it’ll be exciting. I think it’ll be even more exciting if the fans are in. It’s the best way to go up if you win it.