Sunderland set for transfer battle with Championship sides over defender

Sunderland set for transfer battle with Championship sides over ex-Arsenal defender as target 'stalling' on contract offer

With the transfer window now open, Sunderland and their rivals are being linked with a host of players.

The Black Cats are set for a busy summer in the market as they seek to build a squad capable of winning promotion from League One at the fourth attempt.

And here’s the latest transfer rumours and gossip surrounding Sunderland and the third tier:

Sunderland to battle Championship clubs for defender

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs linked with AFC Wimbledon defender Terell Thomas.

The Daily Mail claim that the Black Cats are monitoring the ex-Arsenal academy defender, who is set to depart Plough Lane on a free transfer this summer.

However, the 25-year-old is also thought to be a target for both Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley ahead of the new campaign.

Thomas missed a large chunk of last season through illness, but returned to the Wimbledon match day squad for the final day of the season.

Sunderland-linked winger set for Wigan Athletic

Sunderland were one of a number of clubs linked with winger Gwion Edwards, whose contract at Ipswich Town is set to expire this summer.

Edwards, formerly of Crawley Town and Peterborough United, was reportedly on the radars of both MK Dons and Preston North End as well as the Black Cats.

The Tractor Boys have offered the 28-year-old fresh terms, but the East Anglian Daily Times say that he is set to join Wigan Athletic on a free transfer.

Edwards has just three weeks remaining on his current deal, and will be free to join another club once it expires.

Ethan Robson linked with summer move

Former Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson could be allowed to leave Blackpool on loan this summer.

Football Insider claim that Robson – who left the Black Cats last summer – is gaining admiring glances from both the EFL and the Scottish Premier League ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Robson was linked with a number of Scottish sides in January, including Rangers, but Blackpool decided not to let the player depart on loan.

But after their promotion to the Championship, the Seasiders could allow the 24-year-old to leave.