Sunderland are still looking to be busy in the transfer window despite the fact that The Premier League season is set to start on Saturday. Speaking after the club’s final pre-season game against Udinese, Gus Poyet revealed that further players are set to move to the Stadium of Light in the coming days.
While the manager refused to confirm what player’s the club were chasing, he did reveal that signings could be incoming before the season starts at the weekend.
“I don’t want to say how many players (could arrive this week) because people will throw it back at me, but I am expecting more signings before the season starts.
“There’s no more news just yet though. We are still working on it.”
A player who has today been linked with a move to the North East is Leeds United defender Sam Byram. According to The Sunderland Echo, Byram is transfer target and a bid for the player has been made.
The club will have to battle it out for the 20-year-old defender, who has played over 70 games for Leeds united, with Southampton who are also interested in acquiring his services. The right back, who can also play as a winger, is a hugely exciting prospect who is highly rated by many in the game.
Sunderland may have to start the season without one of their better players though. West Ham are reported to have made a £4 million offer for Connor Wickham. The striker, who joined Sunderland from Ipswich Town, was vital to the Wearside club during the closing stages of the season. He scored several important goals that helped The Black Cats avoid relegation.
However, Sunderland are keen to keep the player and are believed to have rejected the offer. While Sunderland do not want to sell the 21-year-old, negotiations over a new contract have stalled. If the forward does not agree to a new deal then Poyet could be forced to sell him or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. Nathan Gibson
