Maguire back up and running with Cats reaping the rewards – SP

Chris Maguire has been in sparkling form for Sunderland in recent weeks with five goals in his last nine games – and assistant boss Steve Parkin puts its down to his energy levels.

Maguire has been working on his fitness since Phil Parkinson took charge and the Black Cats have benefited with a string of impressive performances including scoring the winner in the 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday. Sunderland host Rochdale at the Stadium of Light tonight, ahead of the game, Parkin said: “Chris just has to play with energy. “The key thing for us is whether his running stats are right up there – that’s when he’s at his very best.

“We’ve had several games this season where he’s covered a lot of ground, both in terms of sprints and the overall picture of his running stats. When he’s up there and doing that, he’s a very talented footballer.”

*Newcastle United are one of three Premier League clubs linked with a move for Wigan Athletic left-back Antonee Robinson.

Robinson, 22, was on the verge of finalising a shock £10million to AC Milan close to the January transfer deadline but could not complete his medical in time.

However, according to the Daily Mirror, the failed Italy move could pave way for a move to the top flight in the summer.

The Magpies, Aston Villa and Chelsea, have all been linked with a potential swoop for the player in the summer.

United could be in the market for a left-back when the window re-opens if Danny Rose’s loan isn’t turned into a permanent deal.

Meanwhile, takeover speculation is nothing new at Newcastle – and the players are taking the latest reports in their stride. Steve Bruce said late last month that news of Saudi-funded takeover bid had an “unsettling effect on everybody” at St James’s Park. The story broke before Newcastle played Norwich City at St James’s Park – and the Premier League game ended goalless.

However, Ciaran Clark says the players, given some time off after last week’s FA Cup win over Oxford United, are able to put speculation “to the back of their minds” when they take to the field.

“We’ve had it a couple of times now,” said the defender. “We’re obviously aware of what’s being said, but we try and concentrate on the games and training.”