Sunderland transfer talk: Le Fondre, Flanagan and – yes – Maddison

With the new League One season now just a month away, transfer talk is continuing to dominate the discussion at the Stadium of Light.

Here, we take a look at the latest news from around Sunderland AFC – including some deal updates… his focus remains on his current club.

The experienced striker is reportedly on the radar of the Black Cats and League One rivals Portsmouth after a goal-laden spell in the A-League with Sydney FC.

And while flattered by the interest, Le Fondre is refusing to look too far into the future.

“It’s nice for people to show interest but right now

I’m focused on the team…we have some big games coming up,” he said, speaking to the Daily Telegraph.

“As a striker I want to keep scoring.

"It would be nice to win the Golden Boot but if I had the choice I would rather win the grand final again.”

Sunderland have been credited with an interest in defender Jon Flanagan.

The former Liverpool full-back was released by Glasgow Rangers this summer, and Football Insider claim that Sunderland and Fleetwood Town – managed by former Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton – are both eyeing a move for the free agent.

The Black Cats are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Phil Parkinson targeting five more additions before the transfer window closes.

It’s the transfer link that won’t go away, and while Marcus Maddison continues to be linked with Sunderland he is currently training and playing with non-league side Peterborough Sports.

And the non-league side were full of praise for how the County Durham native has conducted himself.

Manager Jimmy Dean said: “It was a privilege to have Marcus with us.

“Anyway the lads enjoyed having him around. He was decent with them.

"He was very humble and some of the skills and tricks he displayed, particularly in training, were breathtaking.”