ROKER ROUNDUP: Striker formerly managed by Jack Ross is linked with possible move to Sunderland

Scottish youngster linked

Sunderland have been linked with a move for prolific lower league Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland of Ayr United.

According to the Sun, Sunderland are planning to scout the 23-year-old and if they follow up on that interest they will face competition from Hull City and Wigan Athletic, as well as ambitious non-league outfit AFC Fylde.

Shankland scored 27 goals for Ayr United and picked up 16 assists last season and has already scored 13 in 11 this season, with 3 assists.

The striker has already been managed by Jack Ross, as the Sunderland manager took over St Mirren while Shankland was on loan from Aberdeen but cut his loan deal short in the January transfer window.

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Wilson scores for Aberdeen

Former Sunderland target scored his first goal for Aberdeen at the weekend as he scored the winner in their home game against Motherwell.

Sunderland had made a move for the on-loan Manchester United striker in the summer transfer window and even went as far as agreeing to pay 20% of his £25,000 per week wages.

However the move broke down over doubts over his long term fitness and Ross preferring Brighton and Hove Albion’s young Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. Unfortunately the move for the Seagulls striker also broke down and with Charlie Wyke missing due to another knee injury, that has left Josh Maja as the club’s only senior recognised striker.

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Irish duo see red

It was not a good weekend for former Sunderland defenders who happen to be Irish and play in the Championship as both John O’Shea and Marc Wilson saw red for their new clubs over the weekend.

O’Shea was sent off for Reading after he hauled down former Sunderland target Chris Martin when the on loan Derby County striker was through on goal. The red card was didn’t impact the result though as Reading still saw off Hull City 3-0.

Wilson was sent off for a similar foul on another reported Sunderland target, Kayden Jackson, but his was before the half-time whistle. Ipswich Town couldn’t capitalise on Bolton Wanderers being down to 10 men and hardly threatened as the visitors comfortably saw the game out as it finished 0-0.

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