Sunderland's rivals eyeing Everton starlet as third-tier club see three coaches depart ahead of summer shake-up

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Lee Johnson’s men have it all to do after suffering a hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat against Lincoln City in the first-leg at Sincil Bank on Wednesday night.

The return fixture will take at the Stadium of Light in front of 10,000 fans this weekend with Sunderland needing a flawless performance.

Here, though, we take you through all of the latest League One gossip that you may have missed today:

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Josh Bowler of Everton and Liam Gibson of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League Cup Final match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on May 08, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

League One duo Blackpool and Lincoln City interested in Everton man

Blackpool and Lincoln City could be set to battle it out for Josh Bowler, who is reportedly a target for the League One play-off pair.

That’s according to the website Football League World.

A report states that the two third-tier sides are interested in bringing Bowler in on a free transfer with his contract with the Everton expiring this summer.

The Everton man has spent time on loan at Hull City previously but Lincoln and Blackpool are now said to be interested.

Indeed, one of them may well be able to offer Championship football next season if all goes to plan in their play-off campaigns.

Sunderland’s third tier rivals see coaching trio depart Fratton Park

Portsmouth coaches Joe Gallen, Jake Wigley and John Keeley have departed Fratton Park.

Gallen arrived at Pompey alongside Kenny Jackett in the summer of 2017 and was caretaker manager for the League One match at Peterborough back in March.

The club missed out on a League One play-off spot following the sacking of Jackett and subsequent appointment of Danny Cowley earlier in the season.

But with Pompey set for a shakeup in the summer, the club has moved to rejig the backroom set up.

Head coach Danny Cowley said: “We would like to thank Joe, Jake and John for the way they have supported us and for all their hard work since they’ve been at the club.

“All three of them are really good football people and we wish them nothing but success in the future.”

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