As the weather improves and we get closer to pre-season, we take a look at what rumours are flying around the transfer gossip mill this week, we've picked out some of the most interesting players we've been linked with as well as what is being said about those potentially heading for the exit door.
CHARLIE WYKE
Still a month left on the 28 year old's contract at the Stadium of Light but it is understood that despite a new deal to keep him on Wearside, the Middlesbrough born striker may yet leave SAFC and has "alternative offers on the table". A whole host of clubs are said to be interested in Sunderland's top scorer of the 2020/21 campaign from SPL runners-up Celtic to Russian giants CSKA Moscow, however closer to home, Championship sides Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Millwall, Ipswich Town and his boyhood club, Middlesbrough are set to chase his signature too. However, Kristjaan Speakman updated fans on the contract situation at the club, which also includes teammates Aiden McGeady, Luke O'Nien and Denver Hume, "We feel they can all contribute to the Sunderland of the future, and therefore hopefully we'll be able to get them over the line.”
DION SANDERSON
According to some press reports, Wolves are now willing to let the centre half leave Molineux for around £2m following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo as Head Coach, his replacement, former Benfica boss Bruno Lage is apparently willing to let the 21 year old leave. Sanderson impressed as a solid centre half in the second half of last season and was a key part of Lee Johnson's watertight defence, his injury saw the Black Cats leak goals and concede cheap goals, Johnson is understood to have placed him at the top of his shopping list this summer. However, there'll be stiff competition for his signature, Sheffield United who were relegated from the Premier League are understood to be perusing him as well as their fellow Championship rivals, Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Stoke City.
PAUL MULLIN
The impressive Cambridge United striker fired the U's to automatic promotion from League 2 last season, netting 34 in 52 since signing for the club in 2020. and bagging the player of the season award. The 26 year old striker is hot property though and is out of contract at the Abbey Stadium this summer but is in advanced talks to remain playing for Mark Bonner's side despite interest from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Preston North End. Never a prolific hitman, he had fairly average seasons at Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers before his move to the university city and has since flourished there and was paramount in Cambridge's promotion to the third tier of English football. If he does leave The Abbey, he could potentially be a replacement for Wyke or may end up playing alongside the big frontman at the SoL.
OWEN DALE
The Crewe Alexandra forward impressed in his first season in League 1 with 11 goals and a great style of play which has been brought to the attention of both us and recently relegated Wycombe Wanderers who are looking to bounce straight back up to the Championship. The 22 year old Warrington born striker has played his whole senior career at Crewe, rising through their academy ranks as well as loan spells with Witton Albion and Altrincham. However, Railwaymen boss David Artell has said a move to Wearside would be a "side step" for the young frontman and has also confirmed there has been no official bids or movement to sign the striker yet. Dale has experience of playing all across the front line from down the middle or on either wing so he could be a versatile player to have in the squad. He has also been linked, although not as strongly, with Championship outfits Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End.
DENVER HUME
Another of the out of contract players who is currently in negotiations with the club, Hume has been linked with Middlesbrough as Neil Warnock looks to strengthen the Teessiders' squad as he looks towards promotion to the Premier League. However, the Sunderland academy product will likely be first choice left back next season as we battle our own promotion race to get into the Championship and will near enough be guaranteed game time in League 1, should he want it.
