Sunderland-linked Marcus Maddison sees his transfer saga take a fresh twist

Maddison, a boyhood fan of the Black Cats, has been heavily linked with a move to the Stadium of Light in past windows.

He isn’t believed to be on Phil Parkinson’s radar this time around though, with his wage demands and £2.5million release clause likely unrealistic.

Charlton Athletic met that figure last week and opened talks with Maddison, although talks were believed to have stalled after the 26-year-old snubbed their first contract offer.

And Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony has now revealed that a second - and as of yet unnamed - Championship side have been given permission to talk to the former Newcastle United man.

Maddison is out of contract in the summer and is yet to agree new terms at the ABAX Stadium.

Also out of contract this summer is Bailey Wright, the Bristol City defender heavily linked with the Stadium of Light.

And according to Football Insider, the Black Cats are now in pole position to land the Australian international.

Championship Luton Town were also believed to be keen, with Robins boss Lee Johnson claiming ‘five or six’ clubs had enquired about the centre back.

Meanwhile, Grimsby Town are set to sign a new midfielder - after seeing Ethan Robson return to the Stadium of Light.

Ian Holloway is hopeful of clinching a loan agreement for a player - understood to be Burnley’s Josh Benson - to fill the void left by Robson.

We should have another one by the end of today, maybe tomorrow morning,” he said.

“I’ve had a good look at everybody now, and I’m unbelievably optimistic, but what I want to do is get another ingredient that I don’t think I’ve got yet.

“I won’t tell you what that is or who that is, but I need another ingredient, someone who will settle us down with the ball.”

Sunderland boss Parkinson has been left impressed with the midfielder since he returned to Wearside - but is yet to hand him an opportunity.