Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Charlie Wyke and Dion Sanderson latest as rumours swirl and League One preparations step up

Sunderland targeting a breakthrough in the transfer market.
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But the club are set to return to training in the coming days.

The Black Cats face Spennymoor Town in their first friendly on July 3.

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Pre-season training will kick-off at the Academy of Light prior to the Spenny clash away from home.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

And having allowed seven players to move on to pastures new following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, Sunderland are keen to strengthen their ranks ahead of what is sure to be another competitive League One campaign.

The club have already been linked with a host of players, such as winger Viv Solomon-Otabor and popular loanee Dion Sanderson while speculation is rife that the likes of George Dobson could be allowed to leave on a permanent basis this summer.

Our team will be keeping you up to date with all the latest news and gossip as it happens throughout the day.

Sunderland transfer news RECAP (June 22)

Key Events

  • Sunderland are still searching for a breakthrough on the transfer and contract front
  • Wyke, McGeady, Hume and O’Nien have all been offered new deals at the Stadium of Light
  • The Black Cats face Spennymoor Town in their first friendly on July 3
  • Sunderland will also face Harrogate Town on July 24

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Harrogate announce Sunderland friendly

Harrogate Town have become Sunderland’s third confirmed pre-season opponents.

The League Two side have announced that they will welcome Lee Johnson’s side on Saturday July 24, with kick off at 3pm.

Thus far, Sunderland have announced a trip to Spennymoor Town on July 3, also a 3pm kick off, and a trip to York City on Wednesday July 21, kicking off at 7pm.

Ticket details are yet to be confirmed for that trip to York, while Spennymoor have confirmed that they will only be able to accommodate a limited number of home supporters.

Bould to leave Arsenal

Former Sunderland defender Steve Bould will leave Arsenal this summer.

The former centre-back has been running the Gunners’ under-23s for the past two seasons, having previously worked as assistant manager under Arsene Wenger.

Announcing the decision, academy manager Per Mertesacker said: “Steve has been a fantastic servant for us on and off the pitch. His record as a player speaks for itself and he has been an inspiration to generations of young players coming through the academy.

“This has been a very hard decision to make. Steve’s contribution to the under-23s and the club as a whole has been huge and he will always be an important figure in our history.”

Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy details

Sunderland will know their opponents in the Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy later this week.

The first-round Carabao Cup Round draw will take place live on Sky Sports at 3:40pm on Thursday 24 June, the same day the EFL fixture lists will be released.

Like last year’s competition, the first round will be drawn in Northern and Southern sections, meaning Sunderland could draw one of 34 sides including EFL newcomers Hartlepool United and Sheffield United.

First-round ties will take place on the week commencing August 9.

The Papa John’s Trophy draw will then take place live on Sky Sports at 4:30pm, which will also be split into Northern and Southern sections and include 16 invited Under-21 sides.

Sunderland ‘target’ set to join Portsmouth

Portsmouth are set to win the race for in-demand defender Clark Robertson – who had been linked with a move to Sunderland.

The Scottish centre back left Rotherham United earlier this summer and had been rumoured to be a target for the Black Cats, who are looking for a number of new signings.

Aberdeen and Plymouth Argyle were also reported to be keen on Robertson – but it’s Portsmouth who are now set to seal a deal.

The News report that the 27-year-old has agreed terms with the Fratton Park side and that the deal will be confirmed once a medical is completed.

Ex-Sunderland striker target linked with summer move

Could he be an option for the Black Cats to consider this year?

Is business set to ramp-up in League One?

Portsmouth chief executive Andrew Cullen expects transfer business in League One to ramp-up – now the ‘beauty parade’ of June is set to come to an end.

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs yet to make a breakthrough in the market this summer, with pre-season training set to kick-off in the near future.

Rivals Portsmouth are in a similar situation, but their CEO believes that there is little need to panic at present.

With players still assessing their options and talking to a number of clubs – in a process Cullen likened to a ‘beauty parade’ – a number of clubs are waiting on decisions.

But as we head into July, the Portsmouth chief expects to see the dominoes begin to fall as players begin to face the reality of their situations and commit to moves.

Here’s where things stand with Luke O’Nien - amid Championship interest

Sunderland see opening Dion Sanderson bid rejected - reports

Wolves have reportedly rejected an opening bid from Sunderland for defender Dion Sanderson.

The-21-year-old impressed while on loan at the Stadium of Light last season before his spell on Wearside was cut short due to injury.

Sunderland are keen to re-sign the centre-back, who is attracting interest from several clubs and only has one year left on his contract at Wolves.

Championship clubs Cardiff, Birmingham, Stoke, Luton and Millwall have all been credited with interest, while it’s understood Sheffield United are keeping tabs on the player.

Yet according to the Daily Mail, Sunderland have made an initial offer, understood to be around £1million, for Sanderson which has been swiftly rejected by Wolves.

Here’s what we know on contracts