Sunderland AFC transfer rumours rated: Assessing Jerry Yates, Ben Alnwick, Marcus Maddison and all the players linked

We take a look at the players linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light this summer, and examine whether any of them could be serious targets for the Black Cats:

Ben Alnwick

Who is he?

The 33-year-old stopper is no stranger to Sunderland fans having come through the ranks at the Academy of Light. He is currently a free agent having left Bolton Wanderers last summer.

What has been said?

The Sun claim that Alnwick is one of the goalkeeping options being considered by Sunderland this summer.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

This is one link that probably has some substance to it.

Alnwick trained with the Black Cats earlier this year, although things progressed no further than that.

But given Jon McLaughlin’s expected departure, Parkinson will likely be in the market for a new goalkeeper. Given he has worked with Alnwick before, the stopper has vast experience at League One level and he would be available on a free transfer, he may well be one of the names being considered by Sunderland’s recruitment team.

James Hillson

Who is he?

A youngster at Arsenal, Hillson is understood to be available for a loan move next season.

What has been said?

According to ESPN, Sunderland are one of several sides interested in Hillson. Leeds, Portsmouth and Burton were also credited with an interest.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

Sunderland will be in the market for a stopper this summer and, if Hillson is a name that has been touted as being available, then Sunderland may well take an interest.

There would be questions, though, over whether he would prove a reliable option in League One given his lack of senior experience – and Parkinson may prefer to opt for a more experienced challenger for Lee Burge.

Bailey Wright

Who is he?

The Australian centre back joined the Black Cats on loan in January, before injury cut-short his time on Wearside.

What has been said?

Various reports have linked Wright with a permanent return to Sunderland, with his contract at Bristol City unlikely to be extended.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

Sunderland will undoubtedly be looking to pursue a permanent move for Wright this summer.

While his spell with the club was short, he showed enough in his handful of appearances to suggest that he would improve the Black Cats’ backline.

Parkinson is unlikely to be the only manager interested in the 27-year-old, though – especially given there were Championship sides understood to be monitoring his situation in January.

Lyndon Dykes

Who is he?

Currently with Livingston, Dykes netted 12 times for the Scottish side last season and is widely expected to make a move this summer.

What has been said?

The Daily Mail said that Sunderland were keen on the forward, but would face competition from Celtic, Rangers and a host of Championship sides.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

This one seems a non-starter for a number of reasons.

While Sunderland will undoubtedly be in the market for a goalscorer this summer, it’s unlikely that they would be willing or able to meet Dykes’ supposed £2million asking price.

The fact there are Championship clubs also monitoring the situation would place Sunderland towards the back of the queue.

Marcus Maddison

Who is he?

The Sunderland supporting attacking midfielder has been a star man in League One for a number of seasons, and is now a free agent after leaving Peterborough United.

What has been said?

Maddison has frequently been linked with the Stadium of Light in recent years.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

It is highly unlikely that Maddison will arrive on Wearside this summer.

The former Gateshead man has made no secret of his desire to play in the Championship and, while his loan spell at Hull City didn’t go to plan, he will have his sights set on the second tier ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Sunderland, therefore, may not prove an attractive option this time around.

Jerry Yates

Who is he?

Currently on the books of Rotherham United, Yates spent last season with Swindon Town and netted 13 times as the Robins secured promotion.

What has been said?

Football Insider have suggested that the Black Cats are monitoring Yates’ situation ahead of a potential summer move.

What do we think of this transfer rumour?

This is another rumour which may well have a degree of truth to it.

Yates’ fine record at League Two level over the last two seasons - firstly with Carlisle United and latterly with Swindon - will no doubt have attracted admiring glances from a host of League One sides, which could well include Sunderland.

But watching a player and making a bid to sign them are too very different things. There are some question marks over Yates’ ability to perform in League One which may well mean he isn’t well-suited to Sunderland - particularly given that Parkinson will be looking to bring in someone he can rely on to net 15 or 20 goals a season.

There are also doubts over whether Rotherham would allow the striker to leave given his fine form last season. The Millers may feel that Yates could make a mark in their first-team.

Should he be allowed to leave this summer, however, there will be a queue of clubs waiting to sign him. Whether that would include Sunderland remains to be seen.