Sunderland hierarchy shake-up amid £20m loan rumours and Leeds United transfer interest - round-up

Sunderland have slipped to 13th in the league and have now lost 19 games this season after suffering an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Rovers in the league on Easter Monday.

The Black Cats are next in action against Bristol City at the Stadium of Light in the Championship this coming Saturday with interim head coach Mike Dodds and his players now under pressure to turn in a competent performance after the shambles on Easter Monday against Blackburn Rovers.

Despite Sunderland's poor form, the news cycle continues to roll with several interesting reports and events surfacing over the past week. Here, we take you through the main headlines that you may have missed:

Sunderland have now been linked with Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle as a potential replacement for Patterson. Alan Nixon says that the Black Cats are currently "checking on" the England under-21 international, who has played 40 times in League One for Wigan Athletic this campaign. (Alan Nixon)

Sunderland star Trai Hume is attracting serious transfer interest ahead of this summer's window. Reports have stated that Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Bournemouth are interested alongside Championship clubs Leeds United and Leicester City with Serie A outfit Napoli also keen. (Sunday Life Sport)

Sunderland co-owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is rumoured to be "in talks" with an American financial group regarding a £20million loan. (Alan Nixon)

Sunderland have confirmed that chief operating officer Steve Davison will leave at the end of the current campaign. In a statement, chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said that Davison's contribution has ensured that the club is "ready to progress to the next level". (Sunderland Echo)