Roker Roundup: Sunderland linked with the signing of 20-year-old AFC Wimbledon left back

Dons defender linked

With strengthening at left-back a priority after Denver Hume suffered a set-back in his recovery from a hamstring injury and then going under the knife to fix a hernia problem, Sunderland have been linked with a move for a Wimbledon defender.

The Telegraph claim that Sunderland are in the running for Paul Osew but face competition from Salford City and Wycombe Wanderers for the 20-year-old.

The report goes on to say that Osew could be allowed out on loan for the rest of the season after only appearing in the Football League Trophy so far this campaign.

Osew has just returned from injury after picking up a knock during the Dons’ 3-0 Trophy win over an Arsenal under-21 side, a game in which he scored.

Photo by James Chance/Getty Images

Reid appoint Forest u-23 coach

Former Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid has left his position as under-18 head coach for the Republic of Ireland to take over the same position for Nottingham Forest under-23s.

Reid returns to the club after a spell during his playing days and a short role as coach last season, as the club’s under-23s won the Professional Development League North.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Reid was happy to return to the club and stated that he is looking forward to achieving similar success:

I am delighted to have accepted the role. Everyone knows my affiliation with this club, so to now become head coach of the Under 23s is really special for me.

We had a fantastic season last year and myself and all of the staff connected to the academy are determined to achieve parallel success this season and to see the continued development of these fantastic young players.

It’s obviously an exciting time for the club with plans and ambitions to move the academy into the category one status. There’s a lot of work to be done in order to achieve this, but we are all determined to see it through and give our players the best possible chance of going on to have successful careers.

Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Former partners join up with Southampton

Sunderland announced a partnership with Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko back in June 2011, as the club looked to use the popularity it gained in the country, thanks to Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Sulley Muntari, to develop a long-term plan.

Predictably for Sunderland, that plan did not work out but Asante Kotoko have not been put off by that failure as they have announced a similar partnership with Premier League outfit Southampton.