Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: Latest Dion Sanderson and Guy Melamed reports, eight former Black Cats bosses linked with Celtic job, Darron Gibson handed Salford role

Blackpool defeated promotion rivals Peterborough United in the third tier yesterday evening.

That means the Black Cats are two points off second-placed Posh and with a game in hand on Darren Ferguson's side.

Lee Johnson’s men also have a game to play against Peterborough on April 5.

Sunderland remain five points off first-placed Hull City but have two games in hand over the League One leaders and a match to play against the Tigers on April 20.

Here, we take a look at the latest from around the web:

Crystal Palace enter race for highly-rated Sunderland loanee

Crystal Palace have joined Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United in the race to sign Wolves defender Dion Sanderson

That’s according to Football Insider who state that a fee of £2million could be enough to prize him away from Wolves heading into the summer transfer window.

However, Sanderson himself says his preference would be to remain at Wolves, and to try and establish himself in the top flight.

"If the opportunity to play for Wolves presented itself, I would take it,” he said, speaking to his parent club’s official website.

"Wolves have been my boyhood club, and it's where I see myself in the future.

“I definitely see myself in the Premier League. I just have to keep my standards high for myself— that’s my aspiration and where I want to be.”

According to the Northern Echo, though, Sunderland will make another loan deal for Dion Sanderson one of their key priorities if they win promotion to the Championship this season.

Former Black Cats midfielder handed coaching role at Salford City

Former Sunderland and Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson will assist new Salford City boss Gary Bowyer.

The League Two club parted company with Richie Wellens on Monday but moved swiftly to make an appointment.

Bowyer becomes Salford’s third manager of the season.

Salford are owned by members of Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ including Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and David Beckham.

The Ammies are currently sitting in ninth place, six points outside the play-off positions.

Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town linked with attacker

Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town have been credited with an interest in St Johnstone striker Guy Melamed.

Melamed has been catching the eye for St Johnstone this term and has netted five goals in 15 games since making his debut in November.

And Football Insider claims that Sunderland are one of three clubs eyeing a potential summer move.

The Israeli striker is out of contract in the summer

Several former Sunderland managers linked with Celtic job by bookies

No less than eight former Sunderland managers have been linked with the vacant Celtic job following Neil Lennon’s departure earlier this month.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is priced at 100/1 to take over at Parkhead, whilst former Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is priced at 80/1.

Cardiff manager Mick McCarthy is another outside shot at 40/1, alongside West Ham United boss David Moyes who can also be found at the same price.

Chris Coleman is 20/1 to replace Lennon north of the border whilst Martin O'Neill (22/1), Jack Ross (25/1) and Roy Keane (6/1) also feature in the betting.

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