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Keiren Westwood has become the latest man out of the door in the Sunderland summer exodus. The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who has endured a torrid time with injuries since joining the club three years ago, has not been offered a new deal and probably wouldn't have signed one anyway.
Westwood follows Phil Bardsley, who joined Stoke City yesterday, through the exit, and there is still no further news on the futures of Seb Larsson and Jack Colback.
Meanwhile, more recently released Sunderland defenders appear to be in demand. Carlos Cuellar is reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace about a possible switch to Selhurst Park, whilst Southend United boss Phil Brown has expressed his desire to keep John Egan at Roots Hall next season following an exceptional loan spell there. However, competition for the Irishman is said to be fierce.
Another man who looks more likely than ever to join the exodus is Alfred N'Diaye. Reports in the Spanish press claim the Senegal international has informed Sunderland he wishes to stay in Spain rather than return and give the Premier League another go next season.
In terms of player recruitment, things seem unerringly quiet. There are loads of rumours floating about, but none that look especially credible at the moment. We won't add to them here.
One thing that has been confirmed is a pre-season friendly. The club have announced that a "Sunderland XI" will play Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on 29th July (KO 7pm). Just how strong a side will travel remains to be seen.
