Championship winger snubs move to Sunderland - and joins League One promotion rivals

The Bristol City forward was heavily linked with the Black Cats in the early days of the month, having been deemed surplus to requirements by the Robins.

Sunderland were previously keen on Adelakun during his time at Scunthorpe United, but failed to seal a deal for the talented wideman.

And now he has once again turned down the chance to head to the Stadium of Light – with the Yorkshire Post claiming that the 23-year-old has turned down offers from the Black Cats and Burton Albion in order to join Rotherham United.

When quizzed on his decision to join the Millers, Adelakun revealed how manager Paul Warne – who has tried to sign the attacker on three previous occasions – proved a key component in sealing the deal.

His impact, coupled with some familiar faces around the New York Stadium, made his decision a simple one.

“The gaffer just told me his ideas really,” he explained, speaking to the club’s official website.

“Obviously I've played against his teams a few times and he's seen me, so he just told me that he'd provide me with a platform to play and work with him to help the team push on.

“Crooksy [Matt Crooks] has been messaging me a bit as well to be honest, as has Freddie [Ladapo].

“Knowing familiar faces at a club that you could go to always makes it a bit easier because it helps with fitting in and getting comfortable. Hopefully, that then brings out the performances on the pitch.

“I just like to get on the ball and make stuff happen. I like to be as creative as I can be and I just want to help the team to get better.”

Sunderland are also keen on Adelakun’s Bristol City teammate Antoine Semenyo, who is yet to decide on his final destination amid interest from League One and League Two this month.