Sunderland lining-up midfielder swoop plus George Dobson transfer latest

In what is set to be another intriguing window given that clubs are still experiencing the effects of over a year without fans, the Black Cats have already been linked with a host of players.

Here’s the latest transfer talk from the Stadium of Light and around League One:

Sunderland linked with summer move for Premier League midfielder

Sunderland are considering a summer move for Aston Villa youngster Harrison Sohna, according to reports.

The Birmingham Mail claim that the 18-year-old is attracting interest from Wearside ahead of his contract at Villa Park expiring this summer.

Indeed, it is understood that Sohna recently played for the Black Cats’ under-23 side as a trialist with Villa not set to hand him a new deal.

Sunderland could be set for a busy summer of recruitment for their second string after a promising season – which sees Elliott Dickman’s side on the brink of securing a play-off place.

A number of early targets have already been identified with Northampton Town midfielder Tom Scott is reportedly set to be offered a deal, while young Manchester United stopper Jacob Carney has also been linked.

AFC Wimbledon set for budget talks amid George Dobson interest

AFC Wimbledon boss Mark Robinson is set for talks over his playing budget next week.

The Dons have secured their safety and will now prepare for another campaign in League One.

"I certainly don’t want massive disruption,” said Robinson, when quizzed on his transfer plans.

"I don’t think that’s healthy. Since I’ve been here, every year we’ve had 60 or 70 per cent of the squad leaving. You can’t build something if you keep doing that. I want more sustainability.

“There will obviously be areas we’ll look to strengthen and improve. But until I know exactly who’s going to be staying out of the lads who are out of contract, and possibly trying to secure other players that have come in, then I won’t know in terms of recruitment.”

And one player high on their wanted list could be midfielder George Dobson, who has impressed on loan at Plough Lane since his January switch from Sunderland.

Dobson has a year remaining on his contract on Wearside but has fallen down the pecking order under Lee Johnson.

Speaking about his future last week, the former Walsall man said: “It obviously all depends on what happens with Sunderland in the summer.

"I don’t know what’s going to happen with them.

"I’ve honestly loved my time here, so we’ll just have to see what happens I guess.”

Interesting hotting-up in Accrington Stanley striker

Dion Charles is attracting interest from a host of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The striker, who recently earned a maiden Northern Ireland call-up, has been in fine form this term and is drawing admiring glances from the second tier.

League One winners Hull City have been long-term admirers of Charles with Brentford and Derby County also reportedly keen.

And now The Athletic claim that Nottingham Forest have earmarked the frontman as a potential summer addition.