The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. It was festive joy for Black Cats fans as they remained undefeated over the holiday period which included convincing victories over both Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.
We also have the latest transfer news and rumours with Lee Johnson keen to add to his squad as they battle for promotion.
Festive Joy for Black Cats Plus Latest Transfer News and Rumours
Festive Joy for Black Cats Fans as Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday Thrashed
Prior to the Doncaster game, there were concerns about where goals were going to come from. In-form striker Nathan Broadhead was now out injured and Ross Stewart had scored just once in eight games. Any worries, however, were soon out of mind.
At Doncaster, Sunderland dominated the game. Ross Stewart’s early penalty set the Black Cats on their way to a comfortable victory. Midfielder Elliot Embleton extended the lead before halftime and an own goal early in the second half sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Sheffield Wednesday were the visitors to the Stadium of Light for the last game of the year. The Owls were hoping for a result to put them back into contention for a playoff place whereas a win for Sunderland would put them top of the table and gain revenge for the defeat at Hillsborough earlier this season.
Lee Johnson’s side were in no mood to go easy on a Wednesday side who had been struggling with Covid and injuries. Two quick goals from Stewart put the home side into a commanding position and a third from young central defender Callum Doyle before halftime sealed Wednesday’s fate.
Stewart completed his hat-trick before substitute Benji Kimpioka completed the rout to send the Black Cats top of the table and the fans home happy with an emphatic 5-0 win.
Attacker and Full-Back Linked
It is no secret on Wearside that the head coach is looking to strengthen his squad. The Black Cats have suffered for much of the season with injuries to key players, often playing players out of position. Two areas where Sunderland will be looking to add players are in the forward and full-back positions.
Late last week it emerged that Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts was on Sunderland’s radar and could become their first signing of the transfer window. According to a report in the Sunderland Echo, Roberts is set to cut short a loan spell at French club Troyes to join Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old attacker moved to City for £11 million in 2015 but has failed to establish himself at the club. He has had several loan spells away from Manchester with Celtic being his most successful, winning several trophies.
Northern Ireland youth international Trai Hume is also on Sunderland’s radar according to the Echo. The highly-rated 19-year-old Linfield full-back is available for £200,000. However, the Black Cats could face competition for his signature.
His manager at Linfield, former Sunderland striker David Healy, was full of praise for the youngster. He said: “Trai is only going to get better, he’s getting stronger, he’s getting fitter and if he can add a little bit more quality in the final third the sky’s the limit for him.”
Burnley Interested in Midfielder Dan Neil
As reported in the Chronicle recently, Premier League side Burnley are said to be interested in 20-year-old midfielder Dan Neil. The youngster has had a fine first season as a first-team player at the Stadium of Light, topping the assist charts and performing to a high standard each week.
The report suggests that the Clarets could be set to test the Black Cats with an opening offer of £3 million. Neil, who has also earned international recognition with England this season, has been a key player for Lee Johnson. To allow him to leave would be a major blow to the club, their fans, and their promotion hopes.
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