Roker Roundup: Sunderland linked with a January transfer move for St Johnstone left back

Sunderland linked with SPL defender

Sunderland have been linked with a move for St Johnstone left back Scott Tanser, according to reports.

Football Insider claim that Sunderland and Barnsley are both preparing bids for a player who is out of contract in the summer and has rejected a new deal at McDiarmid Park.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for the Scottish Premiership side since signing for them from Port Vale in 2017, making over 100 appearances for The Saints.

Although Sunderland are currently well stocked at left back with Denver Hume and Callum McFadzean on the books but both players are out of contract at the end of the season, with contract talks complicated by the on-going takeover. The duo have also had spells out of the side recently, Hume thanks to injury and McFadzean suffering from the after effects of contracting Covid-19.

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Nisbet ignoring speculation

Hibernian star Kevin Nisbet has recently been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland reportedly getting in touch with the Scottish Premiership side to enquire about his valuation.

Such speculation does not bother the 23-year-old striker however, with Nisbet telling the BBC that he is used to dealing with similar situations.

After moving from Raith Rovers to Dunfermline Athletic after a prolific season and then again to Hibs a year later, Nisbet says the rumours are flattering but he is able to ignore speculation:

I’ve had it the last two seasons and I don’t take much notice.

When the window opens and there’s a striker scoring goals and performing well, there’s obviously going to be interest. It’s flattering but I just ignore it all.

Former academy duo sign new deals

Sunderland have lost many talented players from the academy system in the last few seasons, two of which have recently signed professional deals with their new clubs.

Luca Stephenson announced his new deal with Premier League champions Liverpool on Instagram:

While Middlesbrough announced that young striker Josh Coburn has signed his first professional deal with the club, with Boro’s academy manager (and former Sunderland youth coach) Craig Liddle praising the youngster’s development:

Josh joined us from Sunderland at under-16 level. He’s six-foot three, has an eye for goal, and has had an impressive 18 months. He’s really developed well physically and technically.

Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images