Roker Roundup: Sunderland transfer target ‘reluctant to drop into League One’ - move unlikely?

Downing reluctant to drop to League One

Soon to be free agent Stewart Downing has already held talks with Championship side Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland are said to be interested in bringing the winger back to the Stadium of Light but reports yesterday suggest that he could still remain at Middlesbrough.

Jonathan Woodgate is set to be named as new Boro manager, with TeesideLive believing that the duo being lifelong friends could be a factor that sees a new contract forthcoming.

The report goes on to say that the former England midfielder does not want to uproot his family for a short-term move at this stage of his career, which could see Sunderland handed the advantage if he does not get offered a new contract by Downing.

However the same report then claims he is reluctant to drop down to League One.

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Target becomes free agent?

Bolton Wanderers released a statement yesterday confirming the currently contracted players at the club and there was a notable absence which may be of note to Sunderland.

Young defender Harry Brockbank has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light recently and the 20-year-old was omitted from the list of the club’s contracted players.

Although Jack Ross is believed to be keen on the player, Ipswich Town and Brentford are also interested in the versatile defender who is set to be out of contract.

Ruiter not keen on return home

Robbin Ruiter will be a free agent this summer when his contract expires and there are a number of Dutch clubs interested in his services.

One of those clubs, Sparta Rotterdam, have been in contact with the 32-year-old goalkeeper in the hopes of convincing him to joining the newly promoted Eredivisie club.

Those hopes look to be in vain as Ruiter has informed Sparta that he intends to continue his foreign adventure after two years in Sunderland.

Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images,