Sunderland face battle to secure DOUBLE deal as striker target swerves questions on his future

The Black Cats are in the market for a number of new faces, and are still awaiting answers from the four out-of-contract players who have been offered fresh terms.

We take a look at the latest transfer talk from around the Stadium of Light:

Sunderland eyeing double free agent deal

Sunderland are yet to dip into the transfer market this summer – but have been linked with a double free agent swoop.

Football Insider claim that Aberdeen youngster Ethan Ross is a target for the Wearsiders, with his contract at Pittodire set to expire this summer.

Ross has spent time on loan at Raith Rovers and is also thought to be a target for Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

It remains to be seen whether the 19-year-old would be a first-team signing or a recruit for the club’s under-23 side.

And Sunderland and Blackburn have also both been credited with an interest in defender Terell Thomas.

The centre back is also set to become a free agent at the end of the month, with Barnsley also thought to be interested in the athletic centre-back.

Thomas spent last season with AFC Wimbledon, having previously come through the ranks at Arsenal.

Rumoured target speaks out after joining League One rivals

Gwion Edwards was one player linked with Sunderland this summer, but he has now signed for Wigan Athletic.

And after joining the Latics, the former Ipswich Town man has confirmed that there were other clubs eyeing his signature this summer.

But the ambition sold to him by Wigan – who are now under new ownership – convinced him to move to the North West.

“There’s been a few clubs after me, and Wigan was one of them, so the turnaround over the last few days has been quite quick,” said Edwards, speaking to Wigan’s official website.

“I’ve played here before against Wigan, and know about the club, and about the manager. He (Leam Richardson) sold the move to me with the ambition of what they want to do, and where they want to go. It is something I want to be part of.

“It’s going to be a challenge, and I like a new, fresh challenge."

Striker target swerves questions on his future

Sunderland-linked Morecambe attacker Carlos Mendes Gomes has been swerved questions on his future amid strong interest in the forward.

The in-demand 22-year-old scored 16 goals in League Two this season – including the winner in the play-off final against Newport County as Morecambe won promotion to League One last month.

Sunderland are one of several clubs to have been credited with a strong interest in Mendes Gomes, with Scottish giants Rangers also among those linked.

But when asked by The Leader about his future and the rumoured interest from Ibrox, the youngster swerved the subject.

“Personally, the season has been good – but there’s always room for improvement,” he said.

"I believe I can up it and improve."

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