Lee Johnson drops Sunderland transfer hint as Ipswich Town near eye-catching striker deal, Cats target earns Championship move

Sunderland target Carlos Mendes Gomes has earned a move to the Championship. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Black Cats’ recruitment team are preparing for a busy transfer window after releasing seven players at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

That number could soon turn to 11 if Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume and Charlie Wyke depart, however it is understood the former three are likely to stay.

With Sunderland’s transfer business very much still in the early stages, Johnson joked about playing five aside in training this week but hinted arrivals are on their way.

Johnson said: "There’s not much I can do apart from have a five aside game!

"But I do expect a trickle of new signings and hopefully players re-signing where possible.”

You can read more from Johnson and his transfer update here.

Sunderland ‘target’ joins Championship outfit

Sunderland-linked Carlos Mendes Gomes has joined Championship side Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.

Johnson’s side were one of several clubs linked with the 22-year-old after he inspired Morcecambe to promotion from League Two.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “We identified Carlos a long time ago, watched him and then got to a point where we agreed with Morecambe, who have been superb to deal with.

“He had a number of offers from Championship clubs, so I had to be sure that it was going to be right for us to persuade him to come down south, because all the rest were up closer to home – and he’s a big family man.

“But we spent hours together, myself and him and his representatives. We met his family, who are really close-knit, and we are really delighted to get him. We really think he has an opportunity.”

Ipswich ‘closing in’ on striker deal

Ipswich Town are reportedly close to signing Macauley Bonne on a season-long loan deal from Queens Park Rangers.

Reports from TWTD suggest the 25-year-old’s arrival at Portman Road could be announced as soon as today after talks quickly accelerated.

The striker was on the books at Ipswich as a youngster before moving to Norwich City and then Colchester United.

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