Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Interesting update on out-of-contract Black Cats star emerges

Here, we take a look at the latest transfer news from Sunderland and around League One:

Dion Sanderson has been linked with a permanent move to Sunderland from Wolves following last season’s loan. The report, however, comes from the same outlet that claimed Lee Johnson was set to be sacked. (Football Insider)

The £2million-rated Sanderson is also been linked with Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United going into the summer. (Various)

Newly promoted Blackpool are set to ‘test Sunderland’s resolve’ with a transfer offer for their on loan star Elliot Embleton. (The Northern Echo)

Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town target Guy Melamed – who has been likened to Dennis Bergkamp – will leave Scottish club St Johnstone at the end of his contract and will be available on a free this summer. (Sunderland Echo)

Sol Bamba Joe Bennett, Junior Hoilett and Joe Day will leave Cardiff City this summer alongside former Sunderland loanee Jonny Williams. (Various)

Sheffield Wednesday are keeping close tabs on West Brom’s goalkeeper Josh Griffiths after the departure of Keiren Westwood. Portsmouth have also been linked with a deal for the 19-year-old England youth international stopper. (Various)

Sunderland have been linked with a former Newcastle United midfielder.

Huddersfield Town and Coventry City are reportedly offering Alex Gilliead a potential move into the Championship.

But Sunderland and Ipswich Town are also apparently talking to the departing Scunthorpe United midfielder.

That’s according to Football League World.

Gilliead came up through Newcastle United’s academy but failed made a senior appearance at St James’ Park before his release.

Instead, the Shotley Bridge-born player enjoyed loan spells at Carlisle United, Luton Town and Bradford City before moving to Shrewsbury Town on a permanent deal in 2018.

After helping the club avoid relegation, Football league World state that the 25-year-old is now set to leave Scunthorpe – the team he joined in 2019 – after two seasons which has alerted several clubs.

Huddersfield and Coventry are said thave already have ‘held talks’ with Gilliead but there is also interest from  Sunderland and Ipswich.

The Wearsiders are looking to recruit in midfield and attacking areas following the departures of Grant Leadbitter, Max Power, Chris Maguire and Josh Scowen.

Sunderland were the only club to hand Sol Campbell an interview following 16 applications from the former England star to various outfits.

That’s according to the Daily Mail.

The Black Cats interviewed the former Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United defender when Phil Parkinson was sacked last November.

But Campbell’s application was ultimately unsuccessful as the Wearside club turned to Lee Johnson following rumours of a Guy Poyet return.

Campbell, 46, has managed Macclesfield Town and Southend United since hanging up his boots.

He claims, however, to experiencing difficulties landing roles at bigger clubs – and only Sunderland have considered him over the past decade.

Campbell moved on from Macclesfield to spend the 2019-20 season with Southend in League One.

But Campbell suffered relegation to League Two with the Shrimpers and has been out of work since leaving the club in June 2020.

Campbell now says that he is looking for a return to football management

Sunderland have today revealed their first pre-season opponents.

The Black Cats will face Spennymoor Town in their first pre-season fixture, as preparations for the 2021-22 season under Lee Johnson begin, it was announced on the club’s social media accounts.

The clash will see Sunderland travel to the Brewery Field to face the National League North outfit on Saturday, July 3 at 3pm.

Indeed, Spennymoor Town has opened its doors to the Austrian national team ahead of their international friendly with England at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium tonight ahead of Euro 2020 this summer.

Sunderland have also stated that further details regarding pre-season friendlies will be released in due course.

It is understood that the Black Cats may face Ross County this summer owing to a contractual clause in the deal to bring striker Ross Stewart to the Stadium of Light back in January.

Preston North End’s reported interest in Luke O’Nien has been played down.

O’Nien is one of four players Sunderland have offered a new deal, with the ex-Wycombe man soon-to-be-out-of-contract this summer.

Charlie Wyke, Aiden McGeady and Denver Hume have also been offered new terms.

Preston had been credited with a strong interest in O’Nien this week, however, that has been played down.

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Our writer Phil Smith runs you through the youngster on the brink of a breakthrough

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/the-impressive-sunderland-youngsters-in-line-for-a-big-opportunity-through-pre-season-and-beyond-3260398