Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: Ex-Chelsea defender linked as Cats eye two midfielders

Sunderland are reportedly targeting a TRIPLE deal to kick-off their summer rebuild.
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The Black Cats have confirmed that they will release seven first-team players when their contracts expire at the end of June, and head coach Lee Johnson is now plotting a substantial summer rebuild.

Several areas of the field are now sparse on numbers ahead of what looks to be a transformational window.

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One of the areas where Sunderland will undoubtedly need to strengthen is the centre of midfield – with Carl Winchester, Dan Neil and George Dobson the only guaranteed options in that area at present.

Todd Kane has been linked with a transfer to SunderlandTodd Kane has been linked with a transfer to Sunderland
Todd Kane has been linked with a transfer to Sunderland

Dobson could yet depart after a successful spell on loan at AFC Wimbledon, but the versatile Luke O’Nien has been offered fresh terms and could offer another option in midfield if he puts pen to paper.

But Sunderland will need further recruits, and reports have suggested that Johnson could be targeting a triple swoop to address that area of the field and another priority position.

Recent reports in Scotland claimed that the Black Cats were targeting a move for former Portsmouth and Rangers midfielder Ross McCrorie, who has caught the eye at Aberdeen.

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The Evening Express now suggest that Sunderland are thought to be preparing a £1million bid for the 23-year-old ahead of the summer window.

And McCrorie may not be the only midfielder gaining admiring glances from Wearside.

Football Insider claim that Cambridge United man Paul Digby is attracting interest from Sunderland.

Digby briefly played under Johnson during his time at Barnsley and has been a key part of the U’s side who gained promotion from League Two this season.

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Charlton Athletic and Oxford United are also understood to be keen on a deal, with the midfielder out of contract this summer.

Another area where Sunderland are in need of cover is at full-back, with Conor McLaughlin and Callum McFadzean’s exits leaving the club short of options.

Denver Hume has been offered fresh terms and O’Nien could deputise at right-back should he agree to a new contract, but Johnson will no doubt be targeting additions in this area.

And London Football News claim that QPR full-back Todd Kane has attracted interest from the Black Cats and a number of their League One rivals.

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Kane, who came through the ranks at Chelsea, has a year to run on his contract at Loftus Road but could be set to move on in search of first-team football, with his last start having come in March.

Charlton and Portsmouth have also been credited with an interest in the 27-year-old – who has a host of Championship experience.

Elsewhere, Ipswich Town winger Gwion Edwards is another name who has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light this summer.

The Welshman has been offered new terms at Portman Road, but the East Anglian Daily Times say that he is mulling over his options ahead of the summer.

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Preston North End and MK Dons have also been credited with an interest in the former Crawley Town man.

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