Sunderland's promotion rivals Portsmouth to welcome triallists plus Bolton Wanderers sign goalkeeper

Danny Cowley’s Pompey will ‘throw open their doors’ to triallists, a change from the approach under previous manager Kenny Jackett who was ‘reluctant to include free agents’ during summer sessions ahead of a new campaign.

They return to pre-season training on Monday.

The News report: "Pompey’s head coach favours 20 outfield players being involved in his training sessions, a figure which the Blues are comfortably adrift of at present.”

Meanwhile, League One rivals Bolton have announced the signing of goalkeeper Joel Dixon on a two-year deal from Barrow.

The 27-year-old made 195 appearances for Barrow in his five years at the club, including 46 in Sky Bet League Two last season.

Dixon turned down a contract offer with the Bluebirds to link up with former boss Ian Evatt, who took the club back into the Football League after 40 years.

Dixon told the Trotters’ website: “It’s a new chapter in my career and I’m looking forward to starting.

“The size and stature of the club and where it wants to get back to is perfect for me. I have worked with the gaffer before at Barrow and I cannot wait to get started here.”

Elsewhere, Charlie Wyke continues to be linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic, who have today unveiled their new boss.

Wyke is out of contract this summer at Sunderland and as previously reported by the Echo, he is expected to move on.

Celtic are interested, with several Championship clubs also keeping tabs on Sunderland’s 31-goal top scorer from last season.

Speaking at his unveiling, new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has vowed to bring a new perspective to the Hoops.

On the rebuild required, Postecoglou said: “It’s fairly extensive. It is a season of change. But after a period of success and what happened last year, it was always going to be a period of change.

“But I see it is an opportunity to make changes in the direction I want.

“We’re working very hard but with the players we have existing, they will all be treated on merit. For the ones coming in, we’ll bring in ones who will fit.”

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