Transfer rumours: Hull City lining-up summer swoop for Sunderland target as ex-Liverpool midfielder set for move

And Sunderland and their League One rivals have already been linked with a host of players ahead of the trading period – with another busy window in store.

Here’s the latest transfer rumours from around the third tier:

Hull City set to swoop for Sunderland target

Scott Fraser was a target for then-Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson during the 2020 summer transfer window, with the attacking midfielder having caught the eye at Burton Albion.

The introduction of the League One salary cap scuppered that potential move, with Fraser ultimately joining MK Dons.

And the Scot has enjoyed a fine season at Stadium MK – scoring 14 times across the season.

Such form has naturally attracted outside interest, and the Daily Record claim that Hull City are eyeing up a summer move ahead of their return to the Championship.

However, any potential move would reportedly come at a hefty price given Fraser remains under contract with the Dons.

Former Sunderland assistant to return to the stadium

Steve Cotterill is returning to the stadium this weekend – after being absent from Shrewsbury Town fixtures after a case of COVID-19.

“I don’t think any other person, in that position, would’ve been able to make it (back for a game this season), I’ll be honest,” assistant manager Aaron Wilbraham said.

“I know how strong he is as a person, and know it’s been him pushing the specialists for them to lower his steroids, he’s always pushing himself and putting his body on the line.”

Ex-Liverpool midfielder set for summer move

Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan has been linked with a summer move to the Championship.

The former Liverpool youngster has been a key part of the Oxford side who remain in contention for the play-offs – but Football Insider claim that he could be on the move in the summer if the U’s do not reach the Championship.

Indeed, they claim that Preston North End and Millwall are already eyeing-up summer moves for the 24-year-old.

George Honeyman says Sunderland woes made Hull success ‘100 times better’

Sunderland academy graduate George Honeyman will return to the Championship with Hull City next season – and says winning promotion was made much better by his previous four seasons in the game.

They included Sunderland’s back-to-back relegations, play-off agony in 2019 and then relegation with Hull last season.

And when quizzed on how he dealt with all those setbacks, Honeyman told the EFL Podcast: “I think you've got to have belief in what you're doing is correct.

"Sometimes it can get lost because you might be at a club where things aren't going right and you feel helpless, but you have to stick to your beliefs.

"If you truly believe that what you're doing is making you a better footballer and teammate then you have to keep doing it.

"Some people might say that's the wrong approach, but that's the approach I've had and luckily enough we've had a successful season as a club.

"It makes it feel 100 times better after the four previous seasons.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor