Hello and welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Sunday, June 9.
The Black Cats are preparing for another important summer as they look to mount another promotion campaign following the disappointment of last season.
Jack Ross knows only promotion will do, and will spend the coming weeks assessing what changes he needs to make to his Sunderland squad.
The futures of some players are in the air, with some more additions expected before the new season gets under way.
One definite departure is defender Lamine Kone, who has joined Strasbourg.
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Inside Sunderland's Academy
Stuart Rayner was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Sunderland's Academy. Here are the key stories and features.
Better than Liverpool
Better than Liverpool: How Sunderland's Academy is blazing a trail in football
We're so proud of Henderson and Pickford - but it's just the start
How Sunderland's Academy graduates are making the grade together
Why loan moves can be crucial for Sunderland's stars of tomorrow
From the head down
'From the head down rather than the feet up' - Sunderland's safety net is vital
Judgement comes every day for Sunderland's youngsters - dealing with that is crucial
Sunderland Acacdemy role models don't have to take the Premier League route
Evolution
How Sunderland are at the forefront in the evolution of coaching juniors
Four key principles - but flexibility is the key for Sunderland's Academy
It's not just football - why focus on education and psychological needs is growing
Why
Forget the league table - this is why Sunderland's academy have had a good season
'The academy players probably get more scrutiny' - Sunderland's Lynden Gooch
Premier League poachers provide biggest threat to Sunderland's academy
What Sunderland's first team want from the Academy - and how they deliver
Portsmouth move unlikely for Pearce
Portsmouth news write:
The Charlton defender’s age and wages could scupper the chances of a Fratton homecoming.
They report that Portsmouth have a policy of signing younger players with potential resale value and Pearce, at 31, would go against that too.
Cattermole latest
Cattermole’s wages could result in the club been open to a sale as he approaches ten years at the Stadium of Light, and the man who brought him to Wearside, Steve Bruce, has been credited with interest this summer.
Now in charge at Sheffield Wednesday, Bruce was keen on linking up with Cattermole who also played under him at Wigan. However, Cattermole’s wages are said to be a problem that is likely to mean Wednesday can’t sign him this summer.
The 31-year-old still has two years to run on his contract at Sunderland.
Oviedo comments on his future
He said:
The truth is that I have not spoken about anything with my agent, as at this time they are on vacation and I am here with the national team and do not talk much, we will see what happens in the future.
Sunderland interested in young Bolton defender - report
The Sun on Sunday report that Bolton defender Harry Brockbank is on the radar of Ross.
The 20-year-old made three appearances for the struggling Lancashire club and is considered an exciting young prospect. Bolton are in a position financially where they will be almost forced to sell him this summer though.
Sunderland are credited with interest and face strong competition with Championship side Brentford and recently relegated Ipswich said to be leading that race.
Six youngsters SAFC could sign on loan from Liverpool
After two SAFC youngsters left to join Liverpool, Stewart Donald cooperated in order to build a friendship between the clubs. Here’s six youngsters they could potentially sign on loan
Gossip: Sunderland lead the race for Shankland
Sunderland have been credited with interest in Lawrence Shankland for a long time now.
The striker is a free agent this summer and has a lot of interest after a great season netting 34 goals in 41 games for Ayr.
But according to a report from the Sun on Sunday Sunderland are leading the race to sign him.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to today’s blog. We’ll have all the latest Sunderland news and transfer gossip throughout the day.
