The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. With Black Cats transfer rumours gathering pace, we look at the latest to be linked with a move to Wearside, including the possible return of a fan favourite. Plus we look back at the latest news from around the club during the past week.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Black Cats Transfer Rumours Gathering Pace
Latest Black Cats Transfer Rumours: Jermain Defoe Set to Return?
Jermain Defoe could be set for a sensational return to Sunderland. The Black Cats legend left the club following relegation from the Premier League; however, he is still highly thought off for his contributions on and off the field. The Sunderland Echo report that the former England international is considering several offers with one believed to be from Sunderland.
Defoe, who scored 37 goals in two-and-a-half seasons on Wearside, including a stunning winner against rivals Newcastle United, is currently a free agent having left Rangers earlier this month. Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson was asked about the possibility of Defoe signing, and he said: “All I’d say is we’re fully aware of his situation as everybody is, we’re fully aware of his character and the professional standards he’s adhered to over the course of his career, they are elite and top level.
“As in any scenario there are a million and one things that would have to happen for that to be beneficial to all parties, and that would be key. It’s as simple as that.
“But of course, the rapport with the area always comes into account, and that respect for an individual for a great human being who has had a fantastic career.”
Dan Neil Interesting Aston Villa and Burnley
According to reports in The Sun and the Sunderland Echo, Aston Villa have joined Burnley in the fight for Sunderland star Dan Neil. The midfielder, who is enjoying his first full season as a first-team regular, has impressed as Sunderland chase promotion to the Championship. According to the reports, Villa have had scouts watch the current EFL Young Player of the Month and have passed on glowing reports to manager Steven Gerrard.
The 20-year-old signed a new long-term contract with the club earlier this season and has shown that he can perform at a higher level. Fans will be hoping that he can do that at Sunderland and the club resist any offers that come their way.
Patrick Roberts Close to Signing
The Northern Echo have reported that Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts is set to join Sunderland on loan until the end of the season. It appears that the Black Cats have beaten off late interest from Celtic and Wigan Athletic to sign the 24-year-old.
Roberts had been on loan at French side Troyes but cut his stay short in order to return to England. Lee Johnson will now be hoping a deal can be completed in time for Sunderland’s next match against Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Black Cats Transfer Rumours: Two Defenders Linked
Wales Online are reporting that Cardiff City defender Aden Flint is interesting Sunderland. Lee Johnson has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his defensive options and it is of little surprise that defenders are being linked. The 32-year-old has been a regular for the Bluebirds this season; however, he is out of contract this summer and could be allowed to move if an acceptable offer is received.
The Sunderland Echo are also reporting that former Burnley full-back Ali Koik is attracting interest from the Black Cats. Koik left Turf Moor without making a first-team appearance. He went on to join Bristol Rovers before joining his current club Northampton Town. Sunderland could face competition with Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End are also said to be looking at the 22-year-old.
Former Fan Favourite Returns to Haunt Club With Hat-trick
Former fan-favourite Chris Maguire came back to haunt his old club as he scored a hat-trick on his return to the Stadium of Light to help his new club Lincoln City leave with a 3-1 victory. The Black Cats were still without several first-team players due to Covid-19 and injuries and it showed in their performance as they failed to replicate recent impressive outings. Head Coach Lee Johnson was also sent off late in the game following a melee between both sets of players and management.
Disappointing Draw at Accrington Stanley
Sunderland failed to hang on to a 1-0 lead away at Accrington despite the home side being reduced to 10 men. Aiden O’Brien gave the visitors the lead early in the second half and when the home side had a player sent off, the three points appeared to be heading back to Wearside.
However, with six minutes remaining, an error in the Sunderland defence allowed Stanley to score a simple goal to earn what looked like an unlikely point.
1973 FA Cup Winning Team Honoured
The heroes of the historic 1973 FA Cup Final victory over Leeds United were honoured last week when they were given the Freedom of the City. Sunderland beat the Whites 1-0 at Wembley to win the cup for a second time and defy the odds and the many who said that Sunderland could never win.
Dennis Tueart described the win saying: “Don’t forget the FA Cup was probably the prime tournament in the world then, if not in Europe, so to win that especially against a team like Leeds, they were a force in Europe, not only did we beat them, we beat them well.”
Cup-winning captain Bobby Kerr added: “It’s been a long time coming but to be honest it’s nice to be honoured by the town I’ve lived in since I was 15, it’s a real honour for me.”
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