Although no signings have been made as yet, there is still plenty of news and rumours with regards to Sunderland. The Sunderland transfer news and rumours mill hardly seems to stop.
The Black Cats are in the middle of takeover negotiations. This may have stalled some deals coming in, but current owner Stewart Donald has given the manager Jack Ross the go ahead to strengthen his squad. Here is a look at the latest news and rumours from the Black Cats during this transfer window.
Sunderland Transfer News and Rumours
Dundee United Offer Contract to Shankland
Free agent Lawrence Shankland has been offered a contract by Scottish club Dundee United. Shankland has been linked with Sunderland for some time; however, it is Dundee who have made the first move. Matthew Davies at Wales Online claims the contract has been offered today. Sunderland, along with Swansea City, Celtic and Rangers are reportedly interested.
Black Cats boss Jack Ross worked with Shankland while the pair were at St Mirren. However, it appears that unless he and Sunderland move quickly, they could lose out on the striker who scored 34 goals last season.
Rotherham United Sign Freddie Ladapo
Sunderland’s reported interest in striker Freddie Ladapo is at an end. League One rivals Rotherham United have paid Plymouth Argyle £500,000 for the striker’s services. Ladapo was linked to the Black Cats by The Sunderland Echo’s Mark Donnelly. The 26-year-old scored 19 goals last season but was unable to save Plymouth from relegation.
Marquis Available
Another striker linked is Doncaster Rovers’ main man, John Marquis. Jack Ross is a known admirer of the player, according to Danny Owen at HITC, and he is believed to be available for £1 million. However, Sunderland will need to act quickly for the 26-goal hitman if they want him.
His manager last season, Grant McCann, has recently joined Championship side Hull City and could be interested. It is believed that McCann mentioned that the player wanted and deserved a move to the Championship. McCann could give him his wish.
Forget About Maddison?
Sunderland have been told to forget about signing Marcus Maddison. The message comes direct late last week from Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony. The Black Cats have been heavily linked to the boyhood Sunderland fan.
The winger/midfielder scored ten goals last season as well as creating a further 23. Although MacAnthony has insisted Maddison is not for sale, there is a release clause in his contract. That fee is £2.5 million plus the fee United paid for him. Therefore, the fee would be around £3 million.
Jack Ross is a fan of the player and reportedly made an enquiry last summer. However, if MacAnthony is to be believed, head of football operations at Sunderland Richard Hill does not rate Maddison. Whether that makes any difference in Jack Ross’s decision is not known.
Brockbank of Bolton Linked but Others Interested
The Black Cats along with several other clubs have been linked with a move for Harry Brockbank, according to Marc Iles at The Bolton News. The young right-back is available due to Bolton’s current financial difficulties. However, Sunderland will face stiff competition for the inexperienced but highly-rated defender.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche is believed to be an admirer. If so, Sunderland could find it tough to convince the player to join. One advantage Jack Ross could offer is first-team football. It is unlikely that Brockbank would get much game time in the near future at Turf Moor and this could sway any decision. Should Ross sign the 20-year-old, he would need to decide if midfielder Luke O’Nien, who performed superbly at right-back last season should lose his place.
Keeper to Sign?
According to the Sunderland Echo’s Jordan Cronin, Sunderland could be in the hunt for Dimi Konstantopoulos. The Black Cats are looking for back-up to number one Jon McLaughlin and the 40-year-old could fit the bill. The experienced shot-stopper was released by Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
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