Sunderland next move & Celtic latest amid Newcastle & Boro links

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

This week’s North East Notes highlights the goalkeepers from Newcastle and Middlesbrough, but first, let’s focus on Sunderland, who have had an eventful week at the Stadium of Light. Hummel has rejoined forces with the Black Cats and has taken extraordinary measures to create a unique shirt specifically for Sunderland. On Friday morning, anticipation ran high as queues wound around the car park in anticipation of the official store opening.

Transfer gossip: Sunderland slap ‘£30m’ price on star man amid Wolves and Crystal Palace interest

26/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland are reportedly demanding between £25 million and £30 million for their attacker, Jack Clarke, amid significant transfer speculation. Clarke has attracted interest from several clubs, including Burnley, Lazio, and Southampton, following an impressive Championship season with 15 goals and four assists. Recently, Premier League clubs Wolves and Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for Clarke. It appears unlikely that Clarke will renew his contract with Sunderland, which has two years remaining, and Tottenham is set to receive a percentage of any transfer fee.

Sunderland and England man and outlines first-team ambitions under Régis Le Bris after loan moves

25/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland defender Zak Johnson has enjoyed a successful loan spell in Ireland and is now aiming for a spot in the Black Cats’ first team. The 19-year-old joined Dundalk for the 2023-24 season, where he made a significant impact by helping the team achieve a club record of eight consecutive home clean sheets. Johnson’s consistent performances earned him the 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club Player of the Month award and a nomination for the Soccer Writers of Ireland Player of the Month award for May. Reflecting on his time at Dundalk, Johnson emphasized the importance of playing as many games as possible and proving his reliability and maturity, regardless of his age. With these experiences, he hopes to secure a place in Sunderland’s first team under new head coach Régis Le Bris.

‘All over the place’… Former Sunderland loan man slams club over manager fiasco

20/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland has now surpassed the four-month mark without having a manager in place. The club dismissed Michael Beale on February 19th, 2024, and appointed Mike Dodds as interim manager until the summer. Since then, it seems Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has missed out on several top candidates for the managerial position. Will Still, the top choice, reportedly agreed to replace Beale but ended up taking the RC Lens job. Liam Rosenior was then in line for further talks before he also withdrew, leaving Sunderland struggling in their search. Both Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have faced significant criticism, and now former Sunderland loan player Alan Hutton has voiced his opinion on the matter.

Kristjaan Speakman finally breaks his silence as Sunderland confirm first transfer decision

19/06/2024 Raymond 0

Kristjaan Speakman has finally spoken out as Sunderland confirmed their first summer transfer. The sporting director has kept a low profile since the club began searching for a new manager in February. Apart from a statement from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus earlier this month, communication with fans has been minimal. Louis-Dreyfus mentioned that an appointment would be made “imminently,” but ten days have passed, and the club still appears far from securing a new head coach.

Despite the silence on the managerial front, Sunderland made a significant move yesterday by confirming their first outgoing transfer of the summer. Alex Bass has joined Notts County on a permanent deal after making only two senior appearances since his move to Wearside in 2022. Speakman commented on Bass’ departure, stating on the club’s official website: “Alex had a successful loan last season and is eager to continue playing regular football. After discussing multiple options this summer and considering Alex’s future and the development of our younger goalkeepers, we agreed this move was best for all parties. We wish Alex the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

“Worth a gamble” – Swansea, Sunderland, Birmingham City and Coventry urged to make move for Notts County ace

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Pundit Carlton Palmer has identified Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff as a prime target for clubs such as Swansea City, Sunderland, Birmingham City, and Coventry City this transfer window. Langstaff’s impact since joining Notts from Gateshead in 2022 has been significant, scoring 41 goals in his debut season to propel the Magpies to promotion from the National League.

Despite initial doubts about his ability to perform in League Two, Langstaff continued to shine, finishing as the top scorer in the EFL with 28 league goals this season. His impressive form has not gone unnoticed, with interest reportedly coming from clubs like Birmingham, Sunderland, Peterborough United, Derby County, Wrexham, Hearts, and Coventry earlier in the year.

Leeds United battling Aston Villa, Leicester and Napoli to sign ‘brilliant’ Championship defender

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Leeds United are reportedly one of five clubs interested in signing Sunderland defender Trai Hume this summer, as Daniel Farke seeks to bolster his right-back options. With Connor Roberts’ loan spell at Elland Road ending and Sam Byram’s injury history posing a concern, Leeds are in need of at least one, possibly two, new right-backs. Trai Hume, known for his incredible stamina, work ethic, and reliability, started all 46 league games for Sunderland last season and is capable of playing on either side of the defense or in the middle. However, Leeds face competition from Aston Villa, Napoli, Leicester, and Bournemouth for Hume’s signature.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss linked with potential Championship return

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has been linked with a potential surprise return to the Championship this coming season. Bruce’s departure from the Owls in 2019, after a very brief stint at Hillsborough, left many fans in South Yorkshire displeased despite the decent compensation Wednesday received when he joined Newcastle United. Journalist Alan Nixon reports that Bruce is among the names being considered by Burnley as they search for Vincent Kompany’s successor. Although Bruce is not high on the list, Burnley is reportedly keen to bring in a big name following Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich.