Sunderland’s summer goes from bad to worse, as Alan Nixon reports that they’re likely to lose out on two of their targets for the summer.
He reports that the ongoing takeover means that they’re now likely to lose out on former Ayr striker Lawrence Shankland, as well as Bolton prospect Harry Brockbank.
Shankland scored 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions last season, the sort of return always likely to attract. It’s believed the 23-year-old had been offered a deal by the Black Cats, but that Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Dundee United, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Swansea City, and Hull City were all interested.
That move now looks dead in the water for Jack Ross, as does a swoop for Brockbank.
The 20-year-old has made just four professional appearances in his career, three for Bolton and one for Salford during a loan spell. However, the versatile youngster is capable of playing at right-back, in the middle of defence and in the centre of midfield and has been catching scouts eyes recently.
Both are now likely to be plying their trade somewhere other than the Stadium of Light next season.
Our View
At the end of April, Sunderland had the world at their feet; the EFL Trophy final, enough games in hand to go up automatically and a strong playing squad.
Three months down the line, that’s all changed. The takeover has dragged on, they’ve lost twice at Wembley and keep missing out on reported targets.
It’s a very tough time to be a Black Cats fan.
