ROKER ROUNDUP: Sunderland dealt a bitter blow as talented young forward completes move to Arsenal

Youngster departs

Sunderland academy player Sam Greenwood has left Sunderland after being snapped up by Premier League side Arsenal. The 16-year-old confirmed the move on his Instagram account last night.

The England youth striker had been linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Stuttgart but has signed scholarship terms at the Emirates before signing a professional deal once he turns 17 in January.

Coates to head to Russia?

Sebastian Coates has just returned home from Russia after Uruguay were knocked out of the World Cup but it may not be long until he returns with reports suggesting the defender may sign for FC Krasnodar in the near future.

The former Sunderland centre half is currently on the books of Sporting but due to huge problems at the Lisbon based club, the 27-year-old looks likely to leave this summer and the Federal News Agency claims Krasnodar have offered Coates a four-year deal and the Portuguese side an offer for €7m for his services.

Like Jordan Pickford, it’s believed that Sunderland do not have a sell-on clause in the player’s contract.

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Winger joins League One rivals

Out of contract Newcastle United winger Alex Gilliead has joined League One rivals Shrewsbury Town.

The 22-year-old had been linked with a move to Sunderland since late last year while he was on a season-long loan at Bradford City and was just recently linked with a move to Glasgow Rangers but has decided to sign a two-year deal at the New Meadow.

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