Roker Roundup: Jake Vokins heads north as Waghorn sends himself to Coventry

Aberdeen DoF discusses Sunderland target’s departure

Sunderland have been strongly linked with a move for Aberdeen midfelder Ethan Ross in recent months and since first being rumored to be of interest to Lee Johnson’s side, the 19-year-old has become a free agent.

Speaking to the Press and Journal, Don’s Director of Football Steven Gunn says that they did attempt to keep hold of the in-demand talent, who is also attracting interest from Blackburn Rovers, but ultimately they were unsuccessful and Gunn says that is down to an unwillingness from the player’s side:

I wouldn’t say it’s (Ethan Ross’ contract) been allowed to run out. When there’s a dialogue with players and their agents there needs to be a willingness from the other side.

One thing we’ve set out to do is ensure we’ve got that pathway for young talent getting into the first-team. We’ve demonstrated in the short time Stephen has been in post he’s a manager that’s willing to give young players the opportunity, when they earn it.

We think that’s an opportunity that might have been there for Ethan and certainly others. But we respect players’ decisions to look elsewhere for their opportunity.

Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images

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Georgian midfielder heads elsewhere

Sunderland were linked with Georgian international midfielder Giorgi Aburjania at the start of the week, with reports in Spain suggesting that he had agreed a deal at the Stadium of Light.

That was not the case and the 26-year-old has instead left Cartagena and signed for Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente on a free transfer, as announced by the Portuguese club on their official Instagram page.

Photo by NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

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Trio on the move

Three former Sunderland players were on the move yesterday, two academy products and a player who appeared in red and white as recently as last season.

Jake Vokins joined Sunderland on loan in the winter transfer window on loan from Southampton but had a difficult time on the pitch. Just when it looked like he may have played himself into contention for regular starts following an impressive display at Accrington Stanley, the left-back had a Covid related heart issue that effectively curtailed his season.

The 21-year-old has now sealed a season-long loan deal to Scottish Premiership outfit Ross County.

Former Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn has signed for Championship side Coventry City on a two-year deal.

Now 31, Waghorn joins the Sky Blues following his contract expiring at fellow second tier outfit Derby County and manager Mark Robins told the club’s official website that he was delighted to welcome him to the club:

Martyn brings with him undoubted quality and pedigree, as well as much experience in the Championship.

His versatility too will add to the attacking options that we have at the Club and he’ll no doubt be an important influence in the dressing room too.

We’re very pleased that Martyn has agreed to join the Sky Blues and look forward to working with him.

Fellow academy product Dan Pybus has signed a one-year deal with Dunfermline Athletic of the Scottish Championship.

Since departing Sunderland in 2017, the midfielder has turned out for Bradford City, Blyth Spartans, Tonsberg and was most recently with Queen of the South.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images