Sunderland and Sheffield United linked with 31 goal striker - Portsmouth, Lincoln City, MK Dons and Peterborough United talk

Lee Johnson’s men have an opportunity to cement a third trip to Wembley in three seasons as Sunderland look to gain promotion to the Championship through the play-offs over two legs.

The first game takes place at Sincil Bank this evening, with the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in front of 10,000 fans on Saturday.

Here, though, we take you through all of the latest Black Cats related transfer talk and League One gossip:

Steve Howey expects Sunderland to build and invest next season. Speaking to Football Fan Cast, he said: “I think the new owner recognises the potential of the club and we’ve seen that through the people he’s brought into the club to support him. They all seem very shrewd people that hopefully know what they are doing because let’s be honest, the last owner didn’t.

“He’s got people around him that can offer good advice and they can maybe build the platform for next season if they go up, and I’m pretty sure that there will be investment in the club.”

Lincoln City have made an emergency loan signing after goalkeeper Alex Palmer was ruled out of the clash with Sunderland. The Imps have been given permission to sign Stoke City stopper Josef Bursik, who was in goal for Peterborough United during the Imps’ recent 3-3 draw at London Road. (Lincolnshire Live)

Portsmouth have received three enquiries for striker John Marquis, who scored 16 League One goals for the Blues last season and finished as Pompey's top scorer during the 2020/21 campaign. (Hampshire Live)

Reports yesterday suggested that both Peterborough and MK Dons were set to battle it out for Marquis. But Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has denied reports that his club are interested in signing Marquis. (Twitter)

Sunderland and Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing Peterborough United’s top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris. Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony recently told Sky Sports News that he has not ruled out selling the striker during the upcoming transfer window. (Daily Record)

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