Roker Roundup: Chelsea goalkeeper potentially set for Sunderland loan move?

Chelsea goalkeeper linked

Sunderland have been linked with a loan move for 21-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, according to reports.

The Evening Standard say that Sunderland, as well as Championship duo Birmingham City and Derby County, are interested in taking the player on loan.

The report claims that Frank Lampard’s side are eager for Baxter to go on loan to either the Championship or League One after previous loan spells at Ross County, Yeovil Town, Woking, Solihull Moors and the Metropolitan Police.

After the departure of Jon McLaughlin, Phil Parkinson is looking for first team competition for Lee Burge that would allow youngster Anthony Patterson to go out on loan and have also been linked with moves for Remi Matthews and Matija Sarkic of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Vaughan re-signs for Tranmere

Former Sunderland striker James Vaughan was released by Bradford City yesterday and immediately re-signed with former club Tranmere Rovers.

Vaughan joined Tranmere on loan in January before the pandemic cut the season short and the 32-year-old was delighted to return to Prenton Park, telling the club’s official website:

I have wanted to come back for a while, I am really happy to be a Tranmere Rovers player.

When I signed on loan at the beginning of the year, the bigger picture was to join on a permanent contract.

“Since lockdown, we have been working really hard to make it happen and I can’t wait to join up with the team and get going.

Despite finishing last season as Bradford’s top goalscorer, the club’s manager Stuart McCall told bradfordcity.co.uk that Vaughan’s departure was inevitable thanks to his attitude on the training ground:

I was always keen to keep James and had explained to him how much I wanted him to be a key component in what we want to build, this season.

I have had multiple conversations with him and they have always been open and honest.

But, as time progressed and we got nearer to returning to training, I sensed negativity from him. Once we did come back, it was clear to see that no part of him wanted to be involved with us.

We saw in training that James had no desire to be here. We tried to get him motivated and excited but, having seen him up close, it became obvious we could not have his negativity around the group, and his departure became inevitable.

After spending time at Tranmere Rovers last season, it became apparent to James that he would rather have more time to spend with his young family, with more convenient travel arrangements.

He began going through the motions in training and struggling for focus and motivation. I can understand his reasons but, once they were made clear, we had no option but to bring his time at the club to a conclusion.

We cannot afford to have anyone here who is not totally committed, especially if they do not show active drive to help take the club forward.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images