Transfer news: Sunderland, Stoke City and Birmingham City eye Premier League defender

Sunderland have been linked with ex-loanee Dion Sanderson after it was revealed that the defender could leave Wolves on a permanent basis this summer.

Sanderson made 27 appearances for the Black Cats during the 2020-21 season while on loan from Wolves. The Black Cats were interested in bringing Sanderson back to the Stadium of Light and are thought to have approaches rejected due to their League One status at the time.

Sunderland have since added centre-backs Aji Alese, Danny Batth and Dan Ballard and also have Bailey Wright still on the books plus Luke O’Nien, Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin, who can all play there if required.

The central defender signed a long-term contract at Molineux last summer, before being loaned out to Birmingham and QPR during the 2021-22 campaign. Sanderson then re-joined City last summer and made 31 Championship appearances for the Blues.

However, a recent report from The Athletic states that key figures at Wolves have "reservations" about Saunderson's ability to play in the top-flight with The Mirror adding that Sunderland, Stoke City and Birmingham City are interested in him.

Sanderson is about to enter the final two years of his deal with his boyhood club which means the Premier League club would likely expect a significant fee for the 23-year-old with former club Birmingham City said to be extremely keen.

The Mirror also claim that Birmingham City have already tabled a bid for Sanderson after his successful loan last season. However, US businessman Tom Wagner is currently undergoing EFL checks as he waits to complete his purchase of the West Midlands outfit.