Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: Kevin Phillips' message to £2m star over Stadium of Light move, promotion rivals eye ex-Arsenal man, Portsmouth and Charlton manager latest

The result means Lee Johnson’s side are unbeaten in their past 10 games in all competitions and have only lost once in their last 16.

The Black Cats are just five points off first place but have two games in hand over league-leaders Hull City and a game to come against the Tigers.

As usual, however, there is still plenty of transfer talk and general gossip swirling around the web.

Here, we take you through the latest:

Kevin Phillips sends clear message to Dion Sanderson

Kevin Phillips has told Sunderland loanee Dion Sanderson to reject Sheffield United and sign for Sunderland permanently this summer.

Reports gave suggested that Wolves may sell the defender for just £2million this summer despite his impressive Stadium of Light loan.

Sheffield United are also said to be keeping tabs on the centre-back ahead of a move in the summer.

The Premier League club’s scouts watched Sanderson in action for the Black Cats last month.

“Sanderson has been sensational since he has come into the side,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“He has settled in so well. He can defend but he is also a threat going forward and we have seen that with the goal he scored.

“It is a difficult scenario if Sunderland were to go up. They will want to keep hold of him but it would be tough if a Premier League team comes in for him.

“You would like to think that he would choose Sunderland over Sheffield United though. My advice would be stay.

“He has never experienced the Stadium of Light when it is full. If he helps them get back to the Championship he will become a hero.

“There will be 35,000 maybe 40,000 fans in next season if they do. It will then sink in for him how massive and how great a club Sunderland is.”

Sunderland’s promotion rivals Hull City eye deal

Hull City are interested in Excelsior defender Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill – according to several reports.

Ormonde-Ottewill, 25, currently plays in the Dutch second tier.

The defender came through Arsenal’s academy but didn’t make a senior appearance for the London club and was released in 2015.

A stint at Swindon Town followed, where he went on to play 56 games for the Robins over two seasons, chipping in with two goals.

Portsmouth nearing appointment

Danny Cowley looks set to take over at Portsmouth.

According to Football Insider, the former Lincoln City boss arrived at the club on Wednesday afternoon to finalise terms with the board.

Cowley and his brother Nicky, who is lined up once again to be his assistant manager, look all but certain to replace Kenny Jackett.

The duo has met with owner Michael Eisner and the board of directors before penning short-term contracts running until the end of the season.

Charlton Athletic get their man

Sunderland’s League One rivals Charlton Athletic have today appointed Nigel Adkins as their new manager following Lee Bowyer’s move to Birmingham City.

The former Southampton, Scunthorpe, Reading and Hull City boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in London.

Adkins will be in the dugout for Saturday’s League One clash against AFC Wimbledon.

The 56-year-old has won four promotions in a 13-year managerial career.

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