Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Sheffield United consider striker options, Bailey Wright latest plus possible loan deal from from Arsenal

We’re signing off from today’s blog but will still have all the breaking Black Cats news, analysis and more on the SAFC section of the Echo website.

See you soon.

Sunderland have announced that ticketing information for their game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, September 4 will be announced soon and have thanked fans for their patience.

The delay is because several members of both squads could be called up for the upcoming international fixtures, meaning the match could be postponed.

Sunderland claim they expect to receive confirmation of the final squads by 5pm on Thursday, after which point a further update will be issued to supporters.

Sunderland are still trying to sign another full-back before the end of the transfer window, and were linked with Exeter defender Josh Key earlier this summer.

According to Sky Sports News presenter and Sunderland fan Tom White, the Black Cats have seen a few bids rejected for Key and are also interested in Arsenal right-back Ryan Alebiosu.

White was a guest on the latest episode of the Roker Report podcast.

On Key he said: “There was a lot of talk about an Exeter right back, Josh Key, we had a few bids rejected for.

“I saw a few conspiracy theories going around that the club had leaked that information to try and appease the fans as we hadn’t signed anyone at that stage.

“Well I can assure you that story is absolutely not true, we’ve been in for this Josh Key from Exeter all summer and haven’t been able to get him. I don’t know if that deal is now off now that we’ve signed [Niall] Huggins but we were absolutely in for him and would spend quite a bit of money on him.”

On Alebiosu, White said: “This guy from Arsenal, Alebiosu, that would be a loan but at this stage we haven’t actually made the offer. It’s just a case of ’in talks’.”

Johnson provided an injury update on Lee Burge and Luke O’Nien after Saturday’s match.

Burge dropped out of the starting XI with a niggle, while O’Nien suffered another shoulder dislocation.

Johnson on Burge: “He was just practising his kicking, and he just felt something on his hip flexor,” Johnson said.

“I think he felt he could have gone on and played, but when I saw him walking down the corridor, he was sort of dot-dashing in his stride. I felt it was wise to leave him off.”

Johnson on O’Nien: “The physio and doctor have done a great job again.

“With that kind of injury, when they dislocate, the danger is the length of time that the shoulder is out. If that’s three or four hours, that’s a big problem. If it’s 20 seconds, it’s different.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get through to the end of the season, but inevitably he’ll probably need that shoulder pinned eventually.”

The two main positions Sunderland will be looking to strengthen before the end of the transfer window is up front and at full-back.

The Black Cats have been in talks with Sheffield United over a loan move for Daniel Jebbison, 18, yet reports have suggested the Blades are demanding a hefty loan fee.

There would also be question marks about Jebbison’s role at the Stadium of Light and whether he would come in as a third-choice striker behind Ross Stewart and Nathan Broadhead.

If that was the case, Sheffield United may feel he is better being loaned out elsewhere.

At full-back, Johnson has said he wants a minimum of three natural options.

Sunderland have signed Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins this summer and are still waiting for a resolution on Denver Hume’s contract situation.

Our chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith breaks down Sunderland’s crucial win over AFC Wimbledon and why the early-season signs are encouraging.

Read more HERE

We caught up with new Sunderland signing Alex Pritchard after Saturday’s match.

Read the full interview with the Black Cats playmaker HERE

Let’s start with Bailey Wright’s situation.

he defender’s future has at times been in doubt this summer and Wigan were said to be interested in a move for the Aussie centre-back.

Over the weekend, the Sun’s Alan Nixon claimed Sunderland wanted a fee for Wright that was putting the Latics off, yet Black Cats boss Lee Johnson was clear when asked about Wright after Saturday’s win over Wimbledon.

“I’ve got zero appetite to lose Bailey Wright,” Johnson said.

“Bailey has just had a beautiful little baby, and he’s only got a year left on his contract and there was interest, so naturally that’s going to spark up a thought process about where his future lies.

“But I’ve personally been extremely consistent in the desire to keep Bailey. He’s got to get in the team and play well, and then hopefully we can extend his contract. It’s as simple as that.”

Wright is expected to start against Blackpool in the cup on Tuesday night.