The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. It was a week that saw the Black Cats squad strengthened with two new signings, rumours of a return for Jermain Defoe hotting up and the possible departure of defender Denver Hume to a League One rival.
Sunderland also got back to winning ways after three frustrating results as the club battled covid and injuries.
Pompey Defeated, Black Cats Squad Strengthened and Latest Transfer News
Black Cats Squad Strengthened With Two New Signings
Two new signings joined the club this past week which saw the Black Cats squad strengthened in key areas. Central defender Danny Batth was signed from Stoke City on an 18-month deal and winger Patrick Roberts joined from Manchester City. They join Trai Hume in arriving at the Stadium of Light this January transfer window as Lee Johnson looks to give himself options for the remainder of the season.
Danny Batth Impresses on Debut as Sunderland Return to winning ways
Sunderland got back to winning ways following three games without a victory. Lee Johnson has had to deal with the loss of several key players through Covid and injury in recent weeks but with players beginning to return victory was gained.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, it was the Black Cats who capitalised on a mistake in the Portsmouth defence to score the only goal through Elliot Embleton. Debutant Danny Batth impressed in the heart of the Sunderland defence, showing the no-nonsense defensive qualities that made Lee Johnson sign him. As well as averting danger with his rock-solid, physical display, 6ft 3in Batth won 11 aerial duals, made five clearances and three interceptions.
Sunderland moved into second place in the table; however, Wigan Athletic in first place and Rotherham United in third both have games in hand over Lee Johnson’s men.
Jermain Defoe Latest
Following Saturday’s victory, Lee Johnson addressed rumours that he was not interested in former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe. The former England international has been strongly linked with a move back to Wearside. Johnson said: We’re working very hard to bring Jermain in and we’ve had good conversations. It’s an option.
“It’s got to be right, both for us and for the player, I do think that, but don’t confuse us being thorough for not having interest.
“I’ve got a load of respect for the man himself and what he could bring to the football club, simple as that. We want to bring someone in of that ilk.”
Tottenham Hotspur Winger Jack Clarke Linked
Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Tottenham Hotspur winger Jack Clarke. Football Insider and the Sunderland Echo report that the former Leeds United winger has been the subject of an enquiry by the Black Cats.
Clarke has failed to establish himself in the Spurs first-team squad since arriving for £10 million in 2019 from Leeds. He has since been loaned back to Leeds and has also had temporary spells with QPR and Stoke City.
Portsmouth Close in on Denver Hume
The Sunderland Echo believe that Denver Hume is set to sign for League One rivals Portsmouth. A fee in the region of £200,000 has been agreed with a significant sell-on clause included. Hume, who only signed a new contract earlier this season, was left out of the Sunderland squad at the weekend when they faced Portsmouth. He is expected to travel to the South Coast for his medical in the coming days.
Last week Pompey manager Danny Cowley admitted that he would like to sign Hume this month and it appears that he could soon get his man. Cowley said: “He’s a player we would like to bring in. We’d like an attacking left-back and he’s one of two we’ve inquired about.
“I believe we’ve made an offer, but I’ve been focusing on this game and don’t know any more than that at the moment.”
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