Sunderland transfer rumours: Cats line up goalkeeper move plus competition for Everton striker

The Black Cats are in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Anthony Patterson, following the departures of Lee Burge and Thorben Hoffmann.

Bass, 24, spent the second half of last season on loan at Bradford in League Two, after coming through the ranks at Pompey.

And according to journalist Alan Nixon, the stopper is now set to complete a permanent switch to Wearside.

League Two sides Exeter and Crawley have also been credited with interest in Bass.

Competition for Everton striker

Sunderland’s top priority this summer is to add more competition and variety up front.

Everton forward Ellis Simms is one of several players who is reportedly on the Black Cats’ radar, yet the 21-year-old appears to have several admirers.

According to the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, the Terriers are one of several Championship clubs who are interested in Simms.

The striker scored seven goals in 21 appearances while on loan at SPL side Hearts last season.

Reported target signs for Oxford

Another player who was linked with Sunderland earlier this summer is winger Josh Murphy.

After being released by Cardiff, who paid a reported £11million for the player in 2018, Murphy, 27, had a brief trial at Reading but has now signed a two-year deal with Oxford in League One.

When discussing the move, U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “He is a phenomenal talent and hopefully he can come here, get a run of games together and really show everyone what he can do.”