It appears that there is going to be another summer overhaul at Sunderland as once again the club look to build a squad capable of getting out of League One. The Black Cats are set to spend their fourth consecutive season in England’s third tier and fans are desperate to return to the Championship. With a new owner in place and a manager embarking on his first summer transfer window at the club, here is a look at the latest from the Stadium of Light in the Sunderland transfer round-up.
Sunderland Transfer Round-Up: Latest on the Possible Ins and Outs
Charlie Wyke Latest
The Black Cats’ leading scorer of last season looks increasing unlikely to extend his stay on Wearside. Wyke signed three years ago and despite struggling during his first two seasons, went on to score 31 goals last campaign.
The big striker, who is out of contract this summer, can move on a free transfer and there are no shortage of suitors. Sunderland have offered Wyke a new deal; however, it appears that Wyke will be departing as soon as his contract runs out.
According to a recent report in the Chronicle, Wyke is close to agreeing terms with Scottish giants Celtic. Should any deal to move north of the border fall through, clubs in the Championship and League One will no doubt be ready to pounce.
Aiden McGeady Close to Staying
The Sunderland Echo are reporting that 35-year-old winger Aiden McGeady is close to agreeing to a new deal. The former Republic of Ireland international was a key player for Lee Johnson last season. He was brought back into the team following a year out under former boss Phil Parkinson.
McGeady is one of four first-team players who have been offered a new deal due to their current contracts ending this summer. Despite not playing until December, the veteran winger still managed an impressive 17 assists and six goals. Head coach Lee Johnson admits he would like McGeady to stay: “For me on the football side of it, I would love to keep Aiden McGeady next season because I think he is a fantastic player and we get on extremely well.
“All I can do is be really genuine and honest and sound with the player, deliver the information that’s given to me and prove to him that I want him to be an important part of our plans moving forward.”
Luke O’Nien Weighing Up Options
Fan-favourite and the club’s Mr Versatile is another who is out of contract but has been offered a new deal. At present, it appears that O’Nien, who has played in several positions in midfield and defence for the Black Cats, is weighing up his options with it being believed that he has attracted interest from Championship clubs Middlesborough, Millwall and Luton Town.
Young Keeper Signs New Deal
21-year-old goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has signed a new two-year deal with the option of a further year. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said via safc.com that the promising keeper will return to training this summer as a “member of the first-team squad.
Patterson has been a regular in Sunderland’s U23 side. However, he could now be set to fight current number one Lee Burge for a place in Lee Johnson’s team.
Sunderland recently recruited goalkeeper Jacob Carney following his release from Manchester United. He is expected to take over from Patterson in the U23 side.
Sunderland Transfer Round-Up: Are Duo Heading Closer to a Stadium of Light Move?
With Lee Johnson yet to announce any new signings, fans are eager to see who comes in first. Two players linked to the club could be moving closer to the exit door at their current club.
Former Chelsea right-back Todd Kane looks set to depart Queens Park Rangers after falling out of favour at the London club. Rangers have brought in Moses Odubajo on trial with a view to him being a replacement for Kane. Sunderland and Charlton Athletic have been linked with the full-back since the season ended.
Aberdeen midfielder Ross McCrorie has also been linked with a move to Wearside. The Dons are overloaded with midfielders and one may have to leave for the right price. Whether Sunderland would be willing to offer the £1 million suggested in the Sunderland Echo remains to be seen.
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