Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: £2m-rated Cats man eyed by Newcastle United as Blackpool clash moved and League One rivals could suffer transfer blow

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Lee Johnson’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat to their old play-off foes on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

The result means Sunderland are now five points adrift of second-place Peterborough United but Lee Johnson’s men do have a game in hand on Darren Ferguson’s side.

The Black Cats are also now eight points off league-leaders Hull City but have two games in hand on the Tigers plus a game to play against Grant McCann’s men.

Here, though, we take you through all of the latest news and talk from across the division that you make have missed today:

Barnsley eye Swindon Town summer transfer swoop

Barnsley are lining up a summer move for Swindon Town’s Jack Payne.

Reports suggest that the Tykes set to pay £300,000 for the midfielder.

The Sun on Sunday states that Payne is being lined up for a summer move to Championship high-flyers Barnsley.

The 26-year-old ex-Huddersfield Town player has enjoyed a good season so far in League One with Swindon.

Sunderland’s rivals Newcastle United eye Dion Sanderson

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Wolves defender Dion Sanderson this summer.

That’s according to Football Insider, who state that the Magpies are watching the 21-year-old centre back’s development at the Stadium of Light.

The Wolves loanee is also said to be wanted by Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town after impressing on loan at Sunderland this campaign.

The website also claims a £2million bid may be enough to secure his signature in the summer.

Blackpool game to be moved to avoid clash with Prince Philip's funeral

Sunderland’s League One clash with Blackpool is to be moved to avoid clash with Prince Philip's funeral

The EFL has announced that, as a mark of respect, all games scheduled for that time will be moved to avoid a clash with Prince Philip’s funeral.

The EFL will now work with clubs to determine when the games should take place.

An EFL spokesperson said: “As a mark of respect, EFL matches scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, April 17 will be moved to avoid a clash with the funeral of HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“The EFL will now work with clubs to determine at what time the matches will be played, giving consideration to the timing of the service.

“An announcement will follow in due course.”

His funeral will begin at 3pm inside the grounds of Windsor Castle next Saturday.

Paying tribute to Prince Philip, EFL chair Rick Parry said: “The EFL is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99.

“As a patron of over 800 organisations, his high regard for the encouragement of sport and welfare of young people was unequivocal, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt not only here in the UK but across the world.

“Our collective thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

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