Sunderland's rivals linked with DOUBLE deal as ex-Brentford man targeted by League One club

Sunderland are set for a big week – but what news is there from around League One?
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Lee Johnson’s men have an opportunity to cement a fourth trip to Wembley in three seasons as Sunderland look to gain promotion to the Championship through the play-offs over two legs.

The first game takes place at Sincil Bank this evening, with the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in front of 10,000 fans on Saturday.

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

Portsmouth manager Danny CowleyPortsmouth manager Danny Cowley
Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley

Portsmouth linked with double deal ahead of transfer window

Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley has been linked with an interest in signing Jack Payne and Harry Toffolo.

And Cowley admits that he is open to the possibility of re-signing players he has worked with previously.

“I understand why managers sometimes go back to players they have worked with because they know those players,” Cowley told the local media.

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"Certainly if they have good relationships with them and the players have been successful in their environment in the past, it makes sense.”

“Often, people in football put two and two together and get five. I think we’re open-minded, we are just looking for the very best people, the very best players and actually, the best compliment.

“It is not always about the best players, it is about creating the partnerships and getting the best compliment.”

Gillingham linked with former Ipswich Town player

Former Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge is a target for League One side Gillingham this summer.

That’s according to the Eat Anglian Daily times.

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The 32-year-old has been released by the Blues after Paul Cook pulled him out of action early in order to avoid triggering an extension clause in his contract.

The Irishman has been linked with a move to Colchester United.

But the report states that Gillingham are also keen on the nine-cap Republic of Ireland international.

The former Brentford man is likely to have plenty of options during the summer but a switch to Priestfield would mean Judge is able to continue playing at League One level.

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