Sunderland transfer talk: keepers, ex-Cats and – of course – Maddison

With the new League One season now just over 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…

The 19-year-old spent last season on loan with Scottish side Ross County and the Evening Standard claim that the Black Cats are interested in taking the youngster on loan this season.

However, Birmingham City and Derby County are both also understood to be interested.

Phil Parkinson remains in the market for a new goalkeeper after the departure of Jon McLaughlin, with a number of names – including Wolves’ Matija Sarkic and free agent Ben Alnwick – under consideration.

Bradford City boss Stuart McCall has slammed striker James Vaughan after he swapped the Bantams for Tranmere Rovers.

McCall said: “I have had multiple conversations with him and they have always been open and honest.

“But, as time progressed and we got nearer to returning to training, I sensed negativity from him. Once we did come back, it was clear to see that no part of him wanted to be involved with us.

“We saw in training that James had no desire to be here. We tried to get him motivated and excited but, having seen him up close, it became obvious we could not have his negativity around the group, and his departure became inevitable.”

It’s the transfer saga that refuses to die down – but Marcus Maddison has confirmed he has received ‘zero contact’ from Sunderland.

The boyhood Black Cats fan was released by Peterborough

United this summer and has been inundated with messages from supporters urging him to sign for Sunderland.

In response to those messages, Maddison posted on his Instagram page: "Sunderland fans I love the messages, really do appreciate them them but I’ve had no contact from SAFC or any other club for that matter.

"Most unwanted man in football."