Here's the latest transfer news, as another Premier League club takes an interest in one of our prized assets...
BALLARD TO WEST HAM?
Reports in the last 24 hours have suggested that West Ham United are keeping tabs on SAFC defender Dan Ballard. The European Conference League Champions are said to be "monitoring" the defender just 12 months after his £2 million move to Sunderland from Arsenal. Hammers head of recruitment Rob Newman reportedly watched Ballard play for Northern Ireland back in March.
FIXTURE SPECULATION
The EFL season begins a week before the Premier League, on Saturday August 5. Newcastle start their season at home to Aston Villa the following week - this means Sunderland will be away on August 12 and suggests we will be at home for the opening day of the season. The Mags are also at home to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, so Sunderland will be away.
POMPEY SIGN SAFC TARGET
Portsmouth have completed the signing of Northern Ireland starlet Terry Devlin, despite reports linking Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Stoke City with the 19-year-old. Devlin has gone to League One from Irish Premiership side Glentoran on an initial three-year deal with an option of another year, for an undisclosed fee, after netting six goals last season.
MAJA OFFERED CONTRACT
Despite Bordeaux's failure to achieve promotion to the French top-flight, it is now believed that Josh Maja has been offered a chance to stay with the club. French publication L'Equipe have reported that a new contract of an initial one-year deal, with the option of another year. However, Bordeaux know it will be hard to keep the 24-year-old in Ligue 2, with interest from Rangers as well as a number of Ligue 1 sides.
KEBANO OFFERED CONTRACT
Reported Sunderland target Neeskens Kebano has received a new contract offer from his club Fulham, following reports that Sunderland had tabled an offer for the 31-year-old. Kebano, who has won promotion from the Championship three times, is set to become a free agent this summer but Fulham confirmed this week that fresh terms had been offered to the winger - alongside Brazilian star Willian.
