TRANSFER ROUNDUP
Several former Sunderland players are on the move, whilst we have been linked with an exciting PSG defender...
O'BRIEN TO SUTTON
Former Sunderland forward Aiden O'Brien has joined League Two Sutton United on loan from Shrewsbury Town. It wasn't too long ago when he scored a hat-trick against Blackpool and everyone wanted him to be the striker to carry us to promotion! The experienced striker failed to make an impact at Portsmouth after leaving Sunderland, and his Shrewsbury move clearly hasn't quite worked after a loan spell at Gillingham, followed now by Sutton. A footballer who was once playing regular Championship football with Millwall, he has dropped down to League Two despite reportedly impressing his Shrewsbury with his pre-season physical condition.
MAJA TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
Josh Maja has been linked with a move back to England, reportedly closing in on a move to West Bromwich Albion. He scored 16 goals in Ligue 2 for Bordeaux last season, but has become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract - after Bordeaux failed to get promoted out of the French second division. After loan spells with Fulham and Stoke in recent years, it has been reported that Maja underwent a medical at West Brom's training ground yesterday and an announcement is 'imminent'.
COLBACK TO QPR
Sunderland are set to face pantomime villain Jack Colback in the Championship this season, as the former Mag has joined Gareth Ainsworth's QPR. He's signed a two-year contract at the club after his release from Nottingham Forest. It's fair for Colback to expect a hostile reception on March 16 when QPR visit the Stadium of Light - perhaps Luke O'Nien can replicate Lee Cattermole's crunching tackle on the former SAFC and NUFC man...
DAGBA TO SUNDERLAND?
Closer to home, Sunderland have surprisingly been linked with a move for PSG right-back Colin Dagba. The 24-year-old was on loan at Strasbourg last season but Sunderland have reportedly "opened discussions" to sign Dagba on a permanent deal, with both sides keen on agreeing a deal. Whilst right-back is not a priority (Trai Hume is covered by Lynden Gooch and Luke O'Nien), having a defender who played under Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino in Paris can only be a good thing. Sunderland accept they will have a lot of work to persuade Dagba to come to Wearside, as he has two years left on his PSG contract. Here's hoping Edouard Michut can put in a good word for us...