Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: Dion Sanderson eyed by three clubs, Kevin Phillips reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus talks, former 'target' Marcus Maddison 'sleeps in' for game

The Black Cats are unbeaten in seven fixtures in all competitions and face a huge week.

Promotion rivals Portsmouth are next up at Fratton Park on Tuesday, with a Papa John’s Trophy final against Tranmere Rovers at Wembley on Sunday.

But, as ever, there’s still plenty of transfer talk and gossip swirling around the web.

Here, we take a look at the latest from Sunderland and their rivals:

Dion Sanderson eyed by multiple clubs

Crystal Palace will compete with Brighton and Sheffield United for Dion Sanderson’s signature.

That’s according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The three sides have all been impressed by his displays in the third tier since December.

Sunderland, however, are said to be keen on keeping Sanderson at the Stadium of Light next summer.

Indeed, the defender has discussed the possibility of staying on Wearside.

"It's always a good feeling playing for the fans," said Sanderson, "When they're not here, it's tough - but we've got to play for the team and each other.

"We're in the top six which is a big deal for us and we want to kick on now."

He said: "For the time being I'm just enjoying my football really - taking it game by game, winning and enjoying it. I haven't really thought much of it, it's just enjoying my football."

Kevin Phillips reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus talks

Kevin Phillips has revealed the details of a conversation he had with new Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus on Tuesday night.

“I was lucky enough to meet him at half time in the week,” he told Football Insider.

“I couldn’t believe who I was talking to because he looked so young. It seemed bizarre to me to think that he owns Sunderland football club and he’s the same age as my daughter!

“He came across as very passionate though. I welcomed him to the club and said, ‘It’s a shame you can’t see the stadium full this season. It’s an incredible place when it gets firing.’ He said, ‘I know. I look forward to that.’

“He sounds like he has all the right intentions which is great to hear. He is a young lad so he will relate to a lot of the players because he is their age.

“Let’s hope Sunderland can get it right on the pitch between now and the end of the season.”

Marcus Maddison sleeps in for Bolton game!

In other news, ex-Peterborough United attacker and rumoured former Sunderland transfer target Marcus Maddison ‘slept in’ and missed a recent a Bolton Wanderers match.

According to the Daily Mail, Maddison was in the Bolton squad to take on Barrow in a League Two game at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The 27-year-old was staying in a hotel 50 yards from the stadium, but he failed to appear at the 1.30pm meeting time.

When he did arrive sources claimed he told Bolton boss, Ian Evatt, he had ‘slept in.’

Evatt subsequently told the press Maddison missed the match with a ‘sickness bug’.

Maddison has started just three games for Bolton since moving to the club from Charlton on February 1. He was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bradford City.