Sunderland look set to bolster their squad this week according to reports. Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo believes that the Black Cats are closing in on Portsmouth shot-stopper Alex Bass. Plus, Alex Neil’s wish for at least one new striker could come true this week.
Matt Scrafton of the Blackpool Gazzette has reported that Sunderland have won the race ahead of Blackpool and several other Championship clubs to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms.
Sunderland Transfer News: Striker and Goalkeeper Set to Move to Wearside This Week
Pompey Shot-Stopper Close to Agreeing Permanent Move
🔴⚪️⚪️ TRANSFER LATEST: #SAFC close to completing the signing of goalkeeper Alex Bass from Portsmouth. He'll come in as understudy to Anthony Patterson…https://t.co/j74KZt340C
— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) July 26, 2022
Portsmouth academy product Alex Bass appears to be on the verge of completing a permanent move to the Stadium of Light. Alex Neil has been searching for competition for current number one Anthony Patterson all summer and he may have found his man.
The 24-year-old has made just 15 starts for Pompey since his debut in 2016; however, he has had loan spells at Torquay United, Southend United and most recently Bradford City. At City, he played 21 games during the second half of the season and kept six clean sheets.
Sunderland Transfer News: Everton Striker Set for Loan Switch
Sunderland look set to beat off competition from several Championship clubs to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms. Blackpool, Huddersfield Town and Millwall were reportedly amongst those who wanted the 21-year-old; however, it appears that Alex Neil will finally bring in a new striker ahead of the new season.
Despite featuring just once for Everton so far in his career, Simms has had successful loan spells at both Blackpool and Hearts. He helped the Seasiders to promotion in 2021 with 10 goals during a half-season loan.
In January of this year, Simms moved north of the border to join Hearts. He would go on to score seven goals in 21 appearances for the Scottish side.
Everyone at Sunderland Working on Bringing Players in
Head coach Alex Neil has had his say on the recruitment of players with just days remaining before the start of the season. Neil spoke to the Sunderland Echo following Monday’s friendly at Hartlepool United. He said: “When it comes to getting players in, then myself and everyone at the club that is dealing with transfer matters can only push it as far as we can push it.
“That’s what we’re currently trying to do. Naturally, we want to try to add before the weekend, and we hope that one or two of those run their course, and we manage to get them in. But I won’t be spending all my time worrying about that if I can’t affect it.
“My main priority is to get the lads that we’ve currently got onto the training pitch, and get us ready for the first game. If we can get bodies in, then that will naturally help us.”
