Black Cats linked with Le Fondre but Yates seems set for Blackpool
With the transfer window set to open next week, the rumour mill is already in full swing – with Sunderland linked with a host of players.
Here, we round up the latest transfer talk from around the Stadium of Light as we approach the beginning of the window:
Veteran striker linked
Sunderland have been linked with a move for experienced striker Adam Le Fondre.
Reports have claimed that the 33-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Sydney FC, is on the radar of both the Black Cats and League One rivals Portsmouth.
Le Fondre has netted 18 times in 21 games in the ALeague this term and is wellknown to Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson, with the duo having worked together at Bolton Wanderers.
Parkinson is in the market for a new striker this summer, having allowed Kyle Lafferty to depart following the expiration of his short-term deal.
Jerry Yates set for Blackpool
Another forward linked with Sunderland this summer is Jerry Yates – the Rotherham United man who caught the eye during a loan spell with Swindon Town last season.
But according to various reports, Yates looks set to join Blackpool for a six-figure sum.
Speaking last week, Rotherham boss Paul Warne confirmed that the Seasiders were the only club to have launched a bid for the 23-year-old.
“There might have been a few phone calls, but Blackpool are the only ones to put an official bid in,” he told the Rotherham Advertiser.
"If they reach our technical board’s valuation, then Jerry will be gone, so to speak.
"In the meantime, he is training with us and training really well.
"Because of the type of people we are, we will continue to train him as if he’s staying here.”
Ex-Black Cats on the move
Ex-Sunderland defender Jack Baldwin wasn’t the only former Black Cat on the move yesterday.
As he joined Bristol Rovers, stopper Max Stryjek – who left the Academy of Light last summer to sign for non-league side Eastleigh – has now penned a three-year deal at Scottish top tier side Livingston.