Sunderland sign France defender Nordi Mukiele from Paris St-Germain for an initial £9.5m plus £2.5m in add-ons to take their summer spending to about £141.5m.

The week sees driverless coaches, a book festival and Hula Hoops workers rejecting a strike.

A fake council note, tower block tenants relocation fears and dolphins spotted by a repaired pier.

A cache of bombs found under a playground, a cafe facing closure and old trains being scrapped.

There were concerns the owner could be lost and dehydrated following the hot weather, rescuers say.

A nature reserve's photography group hold its third annual exhibition capturing all forms of life.

Kings Church Gateshead submits plans to use the ground floor of a former pub for worship.

A female eagle stops off at Stainmore on her way south after a summer in the Scottish Highlands.

Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney explains why Sunderland's ability to sit deep and hit teams on the counter attack could be the key for the newly promoted side to avoid relegation, after their first match back in England's top flight ended in a 3-0 win over West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney believe Alexander Isak "is going about it the wrong way" in trying to push for a move away from Newcastle United by refusing to play for the club and give suggestions for how the Swedish striker can resolve the situation.

The 2025-26 Premier League season is barely a game old but, for Sunderland fans, the embryonic table merits more than just a glance.

Newcastle fail to score without wantaway striker Alexander Isak as they are held to a 0-0 draw at 10-man Aston Villa.

Sunderland make a winning start to their first Premier League campaign since 2016-17, with a deserved 3-0 win over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle United fans made themselves clear about Alexander Isak after their side's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa - is there any way back?

Regis Le Bris praises new captain Granit Xhaka's ability to bring his squad together as Sunderland mark their return to the Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light.

Graham Potter believes his side 'need to do better in the big moments' after West Ham concede three second half goals to lose 3-0 to Sunderland in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light.