Sunderland target speaks out on his future as League One rivals express salary cap concerns

With the League One season moving ever closer, there’s a host of news coming from the third tier.
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Here, we round-up the latest headlines from Sunderland and their third tier rivals:

Sunderland target Demetri Mitchell discusses his future

Sunderland-linked full-back Demetri Mitchell has discussed his next move in an interview with the PA News Agency.

Sunderland target Demetri Mitchell in action for England U18Sunderland target Demetri Mitchell in action for England U18
Sunderland target Demetri Mitchell in action for England U18
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The Black Cats are reportedly battling Luton Town for his signature this summer.

Mitchell, who is currently training with the Black Cats at their Academy of Light base, was released by Manchester United in the summer and admits he is now targeting first-team football at his new club.

“I am 23 now, it’s time to move on and get more first-team football under my belt,” he said.

“United is all I’ve known, really, but going on loan really broadened my perspective on men’s football, so that was kind of a big thing.

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"I’ve been training for about eight weeks and feeling good. Feeling really good,” he continued.

“It’s been 18 months without a game but, really, it hasn’t been because I was fit the back end of January, missed the chance to go out on loan.

“There was really about 11 to 12 months because I was back fit again in February, but obviously the lockdown’s happened so those extra months have added on.”

Pre-season streaming details confirmed

Gateshead have confirmed that they will be live-streaming their friendly with Sunderland which will take place on Saturday, August 22 (3pm kick-off).

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Streaming passes will be priced at £5, with the Heed set to communicate full details later this week.

The National League North side said: “Live streaming will be available for Saturday’s friendly and is priced at a flat rate of £5 per person – further details and a link to purchase ahead of the game will be provided as soon as possible.”

Doncaster Rovers express salary cap concerns

Doncaster Rovers CEO Gavin Baldwin admits he is concerned that the salary cap will not lead to sustainable clubs – unless ‘additional measures’ are introduced.

Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press, Baldwin said: “I think in isolation it won’t achieve stable football clubs going forward and if it is to work then it needs additional measures to support it.

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“I personally, working for Doncaster Rovers, would have preferred a percentage of revenue model because that encourages us to work hard off the field to support the team on the field.

“If I was a complete neutral, I would probably argue for an owners’ bond where they can spend what they like as long as they put it in up front.

“However I do understand that a salary cap will demonstrate to the outside world that football is trying to get a grip of expenses and it’s an overt display that recognises the need for change.

“I think as long as it comes with additional measures it will achieve that.”

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