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ROKER ROUNDUP: Sunderland striking target an unused sub last night - could he be Wearside bound?

Billy Sharp has been repeatedly linked with a move to Sunderland this summer - could a move be more likely after he was left as an unused substitute by Sheffield United last night?

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Sharp on the move?

Billy Sharp has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland this summer, and with Sheffield United continuing to strengthen their attacking ranks, the striker could be available.

The Blades have signed David McGoldrick and Ben Woodburn already this summer and were still chasing Martyn Waghorn this week.

Jack Ross may have received a boost in his hopes of signing Sharp due to the 32-year-old’s lack of playing time so far this season.

Although Sheffield United are only two games into their new Championship season, Sharp only played 11 minutes in the home defeat to Swansea and the striker was an unused substitute as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough last night.

Reading v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship

Former Sunderland flop set for Championship loan move

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Camp is set to sign for Birmingham City on a season-long loan deal.

Camp had a torrid time after joining Sunderland on loan from Cardiff City in January and quickly made a reputation for himself as the worst goalkeeper in Sunderland’s history, but despite his laughable displays, he’s set to have another run in the Championship this season.

The 33-year-old had a medical with Garry Monk’s side yesterday evening and should be announced as a Birmingham City player later today.

For any interested Birmingham City fans, we have included a short highlight reel of Camp’s best bits in a Sunderland shirt below.

Derby County v Sunderland - Sky Bet Championship Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Ex-Sunderland manager ‘not ready to return to management’

Gary Bowyer sensationally quit as Blackpool manager on Monday after just one game of the new League One season.

Within hours former Sunderland manager Simon Grayson had been installed as the front-runner for the Bloomfield Road job, but speaking on BBC Radio Lancashire Grayson ruled himself out of the running for the job, saying he’s not ready to return to management just yet:

I don’t think I’m ready to go back into management, I had the option of a two-year deal at Bradford which I turned down because I didn’t think it was right for me.

At this moment in time I’m enjoying my time off and I’m enjoying my media work. So I would think it would be very unlikely I would go back to Blackpool at this moment.

Brentford v Sunderland - Sky Bet Championship Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

Sunderland striker set for Scottish loan?

Sunderland youngster Connor Shields looks set for a loan move to Scottish Championship outfit Greenock Morton.

The 21-year-old only moved to Sunderland in January from Albion Rovers - in what was his first taste of professional football - but according to reports, Jack Ross is set to send the striker out on loan to gain more first team experience.

Shields has been amongst the goals for Sunderland under-23s in pre-season, which includes notching a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Whitley Bay.

Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Watford reject Rodwell

Jack Rodwell is currently training with Everton’s development squad as he looks to keep his fitness up while he looks for a new club but he almost clinched a move back to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old had been on trial with Watford and, according to The Sun, the midfielder had gone as far as passing a medical with the Hornets ahead of signing a contract but Javi Gracia’s side pulled out after Abdoulaye Doucoure signed a new contract at the club.

Although a move to Watford won’t be happening, the report claims that he may still earn a move elsewhere as he is said to be interesting FC Midtjylland and FC St. Pauli.

Stevenage v Watford - Pre-Season Friendly Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images

Midfielder set for Shrews

Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty had been repeatedly linked with Sunderland in recent weeks, despite Jack Ross being adamant that he had no interest in the player:

...But Greg is not a player we are interested in. That is not to say he is not a good player but we have other priorities.

We may well see him at the Stadium of Light this season however, as the 21-year-old is set to join League One rivals Shrewsbury Town on a season-long loan. According to the Shropshire Star, a deal to take Docherty to the New Meadow is ‘very close’.

Rangers v Wigan Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

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