TRANSFER UPDATE: Further activity at Sunderland expected - but not til near the end of next week

Sunderland kick-started their summer transfer business on Thursday when one player left and another arrived - Jason Steele headed off, rather remarkably, to Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, whilst we secured the signature of former Heart of Midlothian captain Alim Ozturk on a free transfer.

Ozturk will undoubtedly be the first of many new faces to arrive here on Wearside over the summer, but as Roker Report understands it we’ll likely not see any further action until towards the end of next week.

Despite it looking likely that Didier Ndong would head off to Serie A outfit Torino at one point, we’re told the move broke down due to the ridiculous demands of his agents - who wanted a €2m fee in order to facilitate the move.

Other outgoings are indeed likely in the coming week - Jack Rodwell is expected to return from holiday in order to sign off on an agreement which will allow him to cut ties with the club, whilst a host of others are sat waiting to be given the go-ahead to depart.

Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Stewart Donald’s stance has not changed though, and our prized-assets will not be allowed to leave unless our valuation of them is met. Paddy McNair is perhaps the most sought-after of the wantaway Sunderland players, and though Middlesbrough are thought to have dropped out of the running to sign him, he is still wanted by Stoke City - who are understood to be prepared to pay what we think the Northern Irishman is worth.

In terms of incomings, we understand Sunderland have a number of players lined up ready to sign once the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed next week. Bury’s Chris Maguire is virtually done and just requires a medical, whilst AFC Wimbledon forward Lyle Taylor and Manchester United’s Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are incredibly close.

We’re told that an as-yet unnamed stopper is due to arrive for a medical next week, and he’ll hopefully be the man to replace Jason Steele in order to bolster Sunderland’s goalkeeping ranks.

The situations with Grant Leadbitter and Dylan McGeough are not quite as straight-forward or close, but the club remain very interested in both men and are working hard, as they are with all the deals they’ve currently got on the table.

We’ll have all the latest on goings on at the club here on RokerReport.com over the coming weeks and months, so be sure to check back every day to see what is going on.