Portsmouth back away from deals for Sunderland-linked duo as transfer talk ramps-up

Sunderland could have seen their competition for two reported summer transfer targets diminish.
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The Black Cats have been linked with a number of players since the conclusion of their 2020/21 season, as Lee Johnson continues to reshape the squad he inherited from Phil Parkinson.

A number of key areas of the field will need to be addressed across the summer, with Sunderland set for a busy transfer window.

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One area where the club will undoubtedly be looking to add some depth is at full-back, and QPR man Todd Kane is one of the names to have been linked with a move to Wearside this summer.

Sunderland handed DOUBLE transfer deal boost after Portsmouth snub as Rangers loanee Jordan Jones sends a messageSunderland handed DOUBLE transfer deal boost after Portsmouth snub as Rangers loanee Jordan Jones sends a message
Sunderland handed DOUBLE transfer deal boost after Portsmouth snub as Rangers loanee Jordan Jones sends a message

Also reportedly on Johnson’s radar is St Johnstone striker Guy Melamed – who is set to become a free agent this summer after an impressive debut season in Scotland.

Both players were also linked with a number of other clubs, which could see Sunderland set for a battle to secure their signatures.

Portsmouth were one of the clubs thought to be considering swoops for both Kane and Melamed, but Hampshire Live now claim that the club are likely to snub the duo – with neither player thought to be on Danny Cowley’s radar at present.

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That could represent a major boost for the Black Cats if they are looking to make a move for either of the pair, given their competition has now been reduced.

Meanwhile, Rangers loanee Jordan Jones has sent a message of thanks to Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough after he scored his first international goal.

Jones, who spent the second half of the season on loan at the Stadium of Light, netted the first goal in the 3-0 win over Malta on Sunday evening and was delighted to repay the faith shown in him by Baraclough.

“To get three goals as a team was a real positive and on a personal level I’m delighted to get my first goal for the country,” Jones said, speaking to PA.

“Hopefully it’s the first of many.

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“I’ve really missed coming away with the boys and I’ve missed playing for Northern Ireland, but thankfully the gaffer has put me back in the squad and hopefully I’ve repaid him.

“I’m absolutely over the moon.”