SAFC Rumours

link


Walsall boss confirms Sunderland target George Dobson wants to leave, but hopes that changes


Darrell Clarke has confirmed that Sunderland target George Dobson wants to leave Walsall this summer.

The Saddlers skipper was left at home this week as his team-mates flew to Poland for a pre-season training camp, amid a transfer bid, believed to be from Sunderland.

Jack Ross is keen on adding leaders to his dressing room this summer and 21-year-old Dobson fits the bill of the type of player the Black Cats boss is looking for.

And Clarke confirmed Dobson has asked to leave, explaining that is why Dobson, along with team-mate Morgan Ferrier, were left out of the tour squad.

Clarke told the Express and Star: "I chatted to both of them before and told them they weren't in the 22-man travelling squad – we'll review that when we get back. The players know there were bids that obviously weren't acceptable for the club and turned down.

"They've both shown a desire they would like to move on and that's where we stand – but things can obviously change quickly in football and we'll review it when we get back and see where we're at.

"They've been working hard with the youth team this week.

"I haven't had a problem with the boys' attitude, they haven't given me an ounce of problem.

"Morgan is very, very lively – he just needs a slap a few times, but that's Morgan Ferrier for you – and Dobbo is a model pro, so there are no problems there.

"But we want players that want to play for Walsall – they might have changed their opinion when I get back and will be keen to be part of this group."

We're in for Bale

Rumours on Twitter tonight that David Meyler could be returning to Sunderland.

His contract has been terminated at reading.

link


Sunderland AFC transfer gossip: Black Cats credited with interest in midfielder Aaron Tshibola


Sunderland have been credited with interest in midfielder Aaron Tshibola, from reports in the player's homeland.

FootRDC in Congo claim that Aston Villa want to offload the 24-year-old and the Black Cats are willing to take the player, providing Villa are willing to sell for no more than €3million.

Tshibola, at 6ft 3in, is a tall, strong and athletic midfielder who would certainly add quality in Jack Ross' midfield.

However, it's no secret that Ross has wanted to cut squad numbers this summer, both for logistical and financial reasons.

And with midfield in particular a congested area in the Sunderland squad, someone would surely have to depart to accommodate Tshibola's arrival, if the reports are to be believed.

George Honeyman left last week for Hull, but Ross pointed out how Marc McNulty and George Dobson had both been signed before that, while Tshibola is more of a defensive-minded midfielder.

He spent last season on loan at Kilmarnock making 27 appearances and netting one goal with no assists, with the Scottish Championship side seemingly opting against signing him permanently this summer.

And with an overload of defensive-minded players, if Sunderland were to add to their midfield in the remainder of the transfer window it would almost certainly be with someone more attack-minded, unless somebody left or was on the verge of doing so.

Ross' depth in midfield were highlighted on Saturday when Dylan McGeouch was preferred to new club captain Grant Leadbitter in the holding midfield role, and earning man of the match in the process.

Following the departure of Bryan Oviedo, Ross' priority remains on finding a new left-wing back to provide competition for academy product Denver Hume.

With just two days remaining in the Premier League and Championship transfer windows, there's every possibility Sunderland have been used by the player's agent to get his client's name out there and in the market.

link


Details of Sunderland scouting mission emerge as Aston Villa midfielder linked


No details have emerged about who they were watching. Teenage midfielder Scott Banks has been attracting interest from a host of clubs.

The Dundee Evening Telegraph report: "A string of scouts from the likes of Southampton and Sunderland were in the Tannadice stand on Saturday and there was one weekend report suggesting Crystal Palace are set to launch a £400,000 bid for teenager Scott Banks.”

Boss Robbie Neilson told the paper: “I would be surprised if there wasn’t an interest in quite a few of our boys, they’ve done very well. Even some of the ones in their mid-20s have done well.

“That’s what you want at your club, bigger teams to be interested and then we have a decision what we do with them.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland - who have a wealth of midfield options at their disposal - have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola in a report in the DR Congo.

The midfielder has previously had a loan spell at Hartlepool United when they were in League Two, part of the famous Great Escape side.

The 24-year-old has also played for Kilmarnock, MK Dons and Nottingham Forest on loan following his big-money move to Villa from Reading.

Sunderland recently added George Dobson to their squad and are well-stocked in midfield.

link: Oh Dear


Aston Villa fans react to reports linking Aaron Tshibola with move to Sunderland

Forgotten Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola is wanted by Sunderland before the transfer window slams shut, according to French outlet Foot RDC.

They report that the Black Cats are keen on the 24-year-old midfielder who has slipped completely off the radar at Villa Park to boost their own promotion bid.

The report says that Sunderland will need to pay 3 million euros (£2.75 million) to land Tshibola, who moved to Villa for £4.6 million from Reading.

In truth, Tshibola simply isn’t going to get back into Dean Smith’s plans, especially with the club back in the Premier League, and a move away is best for all parties.

Many Villa fans took to Twitter in the aftermath of the report and they were all buzzing about the prospect of getting the midfielder off their books after a botched spell with the club.

Tshibola showed talent as a young player and dropping down two tiers may allow him to show it, but it’s clear his Villa career is over and moving on is best for all concerned.

TAKE HIM

— Jacob (@yaccccccc) August 6, 2019

ok

— ᴊᴏᴇ ʷɪʟᴅᴇ 🥺💜 (@joeyutv) August 6, 2019

Please…

— AVFC- Prem Winner 2019/20 🦁 (@ollyrhodes4) August 6, 2019

I’ll drive him

— Paul Colquhoun (@paulcolquhoun5) August 6, 2019

In other news, villa fans forgot he still played for us 😂😂😂

— J (@jayavfc_) August 6, 2019

He’d be good in league 1

— Sam 🇪🇬 (@1_0_1_0_1_0_I) August 6, 2019

pic.twitter.com/eBV6gYKleU

— Gaz Williams (@gazvilla) August 6, 2019

Harsh but seems like that's his level ..best all round for him to go if there is an offer

— David Nabarro (@nabby81) August 6, 2019

Get in!!!

— GazWBoot🦁 (@gaz_boot) August 6, 2019

Hurry up and take him so

— Paul Conlan (@conlan2paul) August 6, 2019