Transfer gossip: Sunderland to challenge League One rivals for full-back, Hume update; Portsmouth eyeing ex-Arsenal prodigy

In an exclusive in-depth interview with The Echo, Speakman said: “On the field, we're really comfortable with the progress that we're making.

"Off the pitch we want to make a few more signings to address the areas where we feel we're in need of extra players. Stuart [Harvey] and the guys and as a team, we're working really hard to do that."

Click here to read the rest of Speakman’s interview.

Denver Hume

Speakman also updates about left-back Denver Hume who has yet to sign a new deal.

The out-of-contract player is still recovering from a hamstring injury and doing some rehab at the Stadium of Light. His decision will affect whether Sunderland seek a couple of left-backs, as shown in round-up below.

League One round-up

The 2021/22 season is due to start on Saturday and there has already been a lot of transfer activity. The likes of Ipswich Town and Wigan Athletic look to have recruited well but most squads still have gaps in their squads and are still seeking reinforcements.

We have gathered the best of today’s League One gossip below.