Sunderland AFC news: Cats labelled 'weak' by League One chairman, Charlie Wyke and Peterborough United man scouted, Kevin Philips discusses Will Grigg transfer

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Lee Johnson’s men travel to the DW Stadium to play the Latics tomorrow after suffering a 2-1 defeat to their old play-off foes on Saturday at the Stadium of Light in a blow to the Black Cats’ promotion hopes.

The result means Sunderland are now five points adrift of second-place Peterborough United but Lee Johnson’s men do have a game in hand on Darren Ferguson’s side.

The Black Cats are also now eight points off league-leaders Hull City but have two games in hand on the Tigers plus a game to play against Grant McCann’s men.

Here, though, we take you through all of the latest news and talk from Sunderland and their League One rivals:

Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke and Peterborough United man scouted during Easter Monday clash

Charlie Wyke has been scouted by CSKA Moscow, according to reports.

The striker is one of many Sunderland players out of contract in the summer.

But the Daily Mail state that the Russian Premier League outfit scouted Wyke during the 1-1 draw against Peterborough United

The report claims that scouts were present at London Road to watch Wyke and Posh striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Black Cats legend Kevin Phillps discusses MK Dons’ loanee Will Grigg and potential exit

Kevin Phillips has delivered his verdict on Sunderland striker Will Grigg, who is currently on loan at MK Dons.

It is easy for me to say he should leave on a free this summer,” Philips said to Football Insider.

“I know the club will want to recoup some of the money they paid for him but ultimately, he is on a hefty wage so they might just have to cut their losses and let him leave on a free.

“There is talk of a lot of money becoming available for Sunderland in the summer with the new owner. It might be best to cut your losses.

“Get Grigg off the wage bill, it will save you a fortune. If they leaves you could bring in two players for the money he is on.

“I would let him leave on a free but I imagine Sunderland will try their best to try and recoup at least some of the money.”

Owner of Sunderland’s League One rivals takes aim at agent fee-paying rivals

Gillingham owner Paul Scally has claimed that League One clubs who pay agent fees are 'weak'.

The FA released information last month showing £3.08m was received by agents and intermediaries from third-tier clubs from February 1, 2020 until February 1, 2021.

Hull (£543,238), Sunderland (£406,207) and Ipswich (£341,622) were the biggest spenders.

However, Gillingham didn't spend a penny.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: "If an agent represents a player, then the player should pay the agent. I shouldn’t pay the agent. In times of austerity, such as we are, I’m looking at every penny to keep the business going. Why would I waste money on agents? We don’t need them in our industry.”

Asked why clubs pay agents vast sums, Scally replied: “Because the people that make those decisions are weak.”

“They are weak because, invariably, it is not their money and they think the money is just going to keep on coming.”

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