Sunderland

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Jack Clarke's agent, Ian Harte has denied claims of a bid from Luton for the Sunderland winger.

A transfer rumour page on X posted, "Luton Town have made a £10M for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke. The deal could rise up to as much as £20M based on performance bonuses.

"The agent of the player will be down south to discuss contract terms, it’s thought he’s been offered a four and a half year deal.

"Medical to happen whilst contract terms discussed."

In response, Harte quoted the post, adding "Luton are having a fantastic season but this is not true."

Speculation is rife as to whether Clarke will remain on Wearside. The Black Cats have rejected bids from Lazio in the past week and a number of Premier League clubs including West Ham and Burnley are long-term admirers of the 23-year-old.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has repeatedly insisted in interviews that there is no pressure to sell their best players.

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On this day in 2015, Jermain Defoe scored his first goal for Sunderland.

The England international signed for the Black Cats on 16 January from Toronto. His debut came away at former club Tottenham the following day. He failed to score, breaking his record of scoring on his first appearance for every club he's played for.

His first goal would come in his home debut instead, netting against Burnley in a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

The striker would go on to score 37 times in 100 appearances across two stints for Sunderland.

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Marco Gabbiadini has spoken about the potential signing of Romaine Mundle as a succession plan from Sunderland for the possibly outgoing Jack Clarke.

Talking on BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport, the former Sunderland striker said: "It's difficult because I know it's not what the fans want.

"They want some experienced players and we've heard the manager say he wants some grey hairs in the dressing room but these two players [Hjelde and Mundle] aren't filling that, but you can look at this as a succession signing, can't you?

"Jack Clarke may or may not go in this window but if he carries on as he has done in the last 12 months. Let's hope that again he does. This is where the bigger picture works.

"Jack Clarke was a player whose career wasn't going in the right direction when he came to the club but he's been given the minutes and he's been given the patience and played in a team that's played good football and he's given a lot back to the team and to the club and he's ready now to move on to the next level, you would think.

"Keeping that conveyor belt going is going to be the big test for Kristjaan Speakman and his team."

After the discussion of first games came up on the Total Sport Sunderland AFC podcast, we asked you about your first experiences fo watching the Black Cats.

John: Not my first game but the first I can remember specifically. 1964 FA Cup quarter-final vs Man U. Two replays, I missed the second in Leeds, 270 minutes, 16 goals, sadly knocked out 5-1 in the second replay. Aged 11, I took a stool to stand on at Old Trafford so I could see.

Samson: There was a blizzard during the game and it got abandoned after 20 minutes. This was in the middle of April! Rory Delap broke his nose!

David: My first ever game was back in the days of Roker Park and a gentleman by the name of James Baxter (The late, GREAT) was making his debut, against Sheffield United, I believe he actually scored two goals that day...MAGICAL.

Alan: My first Sunderland game was on the 26 December 1962. My biggest memory of the game was of Brian Clough getting injured and seeing him being stretched off. Although he tried to make a comeback later on in his career ultimately this ended his playing. The team they were playing was Bury and their centre half at the time was a lad called Bob Stokoe.

Tony: Sunderland v Sheff Wed, 1-2 at Roker Park. First Division but both went down that season. Great steak pies and bovril in The Clock Stand. 8-years-old.

Steve: First game: Home to Forest in 1965, won 4-0 in our first season back in the First Division. I remember Mike Hellawell scored one of the goals.

Simon: My first ever game was Sunderland v Newcastle at Roker Park in 1979. I was 6-years-old and went with my dad and uncle. All I can remember is the score was 0-0 and it was raining Newcastle Brown Ale bottles. Lifelong fan ever since. Ha'way the lads.

Kevin: I’ve been going to see Sunderland since 1954, I was 9. The first game was against Wolves 0-0 can’t remember anything about it. I read recently that Bob Murray’s first game was in that year. The next game was against Aston Villa again it was 0-0. Can’t remember when I saw my first goal. By the way Sunderland will be fine. Trust the owners for once.

Terry: The first match I ever saw was at Roker Park on Saturday 10 September 1955. I was with my twin brother Tony, my father and two of my uncles from South Shields. Sunderland beat Chelsea 4-3 and we were then living in Bradford and both have been supporters ever since. We were passed over the crowd to watch behind the goal line. Crowd 45,650.

Nev: First ever Sunderland game was Sheffield Wednesday in 2005, perhaps? I was 4, and my dad had taken me while my mum was working. We went with my little brother, who despite being a rabid football fan now, hated the entire experience. We were right at the back and couldn’t see a thing. 1-0 victory though, so it didn’t really matter!

Michael: My first Sunderland game was 1965 versus Leicester city 3-3 and Derek Forster debut, the youngest player to wear a Sunderland strip. I remember that the Alan Brown had left before the game and we had a caretaker manager. The attendance was 45,465 and I was at the front of the Fulwell end George Mulhall scored after 3 minutes and the place erupted.

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Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini reacted to the signing of Leo Hjelde from Leeds on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport last night:

"It's another one of those players coming in that we don't know too much about.

"We're going to have to suck it and see, I suppose because he doesn't bring a wealth of experience with him. It's hard not to and I don't want to be critical but it's going to be a learning curve.

"Hopefully from the data and the analytics that they've used to recruit him, if he gets the minutes, he will hit where they think he should be and prove a valuable player.

"It's worked with a number of the players. Let's hope it's another one that rolls off the ranks but it hasn't all gone to plan so we'll have to wait and see.

"Sorry for sounding a little bit underwhelmed but he's not a big name player coming in or an experienced player.

"So, we know what to expect as far as the reaction to these things but, and I don't want to be disrespectful to the player himself because he's been training with Leeds and near the first team. If you get to that level, you're doing well.

"So, let's hope he can come and prove it in red and white stripes."

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On this day in 2021, Ross Stewart signed for Sunderland from Ross County.

After a slow start, the Scottish striker would become a favourite on Wearside spearheading the Black Cats' play-off promotion from League One to the Championship.

The Loch Ness Drogba became one of the most respected forwards in the football league but finished his time at Sunderland injured before moving to Southampton and has since been ruled out again - only making two appearances for the Saints.

Stewart scored 40 goals in 80 games for the Black Cats and pitched in with eight assists too.

How do you remember Stewart's time at Sunderland? Have your say here.

As we edge closer and closer to the closure of the January transfer window, we asked for your views on what business Sunderland need to do before the deadline.

Here are some of your comments:

Samson: Desperate for a central midfielder who can add a bit of steel. Rather sign that than a striker.

Chris: Would love a mix of a defensive midfield replacement for Evans, the Leeds defender (Hjelde) and any physical striker over the age of 24.

Colin: I think all Sunderland supporters will say the same, a centre-forward is by far the most important.

Nigel: Sign an experienced centre-forward and a tall centre-back.

Edward: A striker is definitely needed and holding midfielder would be a good addition as I believe we are close to signing a left full-back.

Korky: Keep the players they’ve already got, sign Amad Diallo, and offer Alex Pritchard a two-year contract.

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The Yorkshire Post's Leeds United writer Joe Donnohue joined BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport to give insight into Sunderland's new signing Leo Hjelde.

"I was looking at Kristjaan Speakman's comments today.

"It made a lot of sense that he can play multiple positions and the ones I assume he means by that are left-back, left-wing-back or left-sided centre-half because he's got ability to get up and down, and he's athletic, he's physical and he can compete well aerially. So, he has the capacity to play at centre-back as well.

"I think last year while he was on-loan at Rotherham, Matt Taylor, who's the boss there at the time said he probably wasn't ready to be a Championship centre-back at that time but again he was only 19 then. He's someone with potential I'd say.

"He's a self-professed ball-playing-defender. He likes to get on the ball and sort of wrap passes into midfield and into the forward players - because of his age that's with varying success and again he hasn't had huge first team exposure at Leeds.

"It's difficult to gauge just how successful he'd be if he got a run in the team.

"He's someone that does appear to be comfortable on the ball. Where I'd maybe have my reservations is with his positioning. I don't think he's come through the academy systems at wherever he's been, at Celtic before, playing as a left-back. I think he's played more as a centre-back.

"Sometimes his defending in transition maybe isn't spot on and maybe 1v1 defending isn't so hot at times. On the ball, that's probably one of the key aspects that attracted him to the Sunderland recruitment team."

Listen to the full interview here.

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Jewison Bennette has joined Aris FC on loan.

The Sunderland winger will spend the remainder of the season with the Greek side.

On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We want to increase Jewison’s playing opportunities over the second part of the season and provide him the best chance for international selection - through both of these, we create the best conditions for him to return in the summer for our pre-season programme.

"There is no option or obligation in the agreement to convert it into a permanent move and it’s very much about the player’s development.

"We look forward to supporting Jewison’s progress from afar throughout the next few months.”

What do you think of Jewi leaving on loan? Have your say here.

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Sunderland have announced the signing of Norwegian Leo Hjelde.

The defender joins from Championship rivals Leeds United for a reported £2million on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

On the club website, Hjelde says: “It feels great to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

"I spoke to my dad, who showed me the size of the club and the support, and I knew it was a move I simply couldn’t turn down.

"I’m a ball-playing centre back, or left back, and I like to get up and down the pitch.

I’ve been at some big Clubs previously and this has helped me develop as a player and as a person, but I’m now ready to push on and take the next step.”

Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “We’re really pleased to have acquired Leo on a permanent basis, as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time.

He possesses the ability to play three different positions in our backline, depending on the formation, and he joins us having already experienced the EFL Championship.

We hope this will allow him to hit the ground running and help our team throughout the next 16 games, whilst also bringing added strength our squad in the long term.”

What do you think of Sunderland's new man? Have your say here.

Sunderland agree deal for the permanent transfer of Romaine Mundle from Standard Liége. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's gossip column

Last week on the Total Sport Sunderland AFC Podcast, Colin White and Nick Barnes were joined by former Sunderland Echo writer Graeme Anderson.

First games was a topic discussed by the trio as BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Barnesy recalls a pre-season friendly with Kilmarnock which doubled up as a test run for Gary Bennett to become his summariser.

Graeme started covering the club in 1995 in the early days of Peter Reid's tenure at the Stadium of Light.

What was your first Sunderland game and what do you remember from it?

Sunderland have agreed a £2m fee with Leeds for 20-year-old Norway Under-21 full-back Leo Fuhr Hjelde. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nazariy Rusyn netted twice as Sunderland's under-21s beat Leeds 3-1 in the Premier League 2.

The Ukrainian striker now has six goal contributions in 17 appearances between the first team and the u21s.

Rusyn scored his first senior goal against Preston on New Year's Day but has only started in one of the last three games for Michael Beale's side.

Mason Burstow was selected in the starting line-up against Stoke and got his first goal at the club since joining on loan from Chelsea.

The other two strikers signed in the summer, Hemir and Mayenda, are still waiting for their first senior goals - who would your first choice be for Sunderland and why?

Have your say here.

We asked for your thoughts on Luke O'Nien after the club captain played his 250th game for Sunderland against Stoke City.

Here are some of your comments:

David: I wish we had another ten like him.

Malcolm: Luke is a wonderful captain for SAFC doing wonders for the fans and the team. A gentleman off the pitch and a loveable rogue on it. I hope he achieves Premier league game time with the Black Cats soon.

Alan: He has grew on me over the years, he is never gonna be a world known superstar but he's been exactly what our team has needed. He came into a third flight team and I didn't think he would be the man to stand out however his never say never attitude seems to rub off on those around him and I feel he is the team spirit at times. Deserved his captaincy.

Richie: Luke's been a great servant to the club, has played practically everywhere on the park except in goal and has given us some memorable "daft as a brush" moments too. Who can forget the kiss, the piggy back or his celebration slide into the corner flag?

Sunderland are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for 19-year-old English winger Charles Sagoe Jr. (Football Transfers), external

Sunderland have rejected a 16m euros (£13.6m) offer from an Italian club, reportedly Lazio, for Jack Clarke and do not want to sell the 23-year-old English winger this window. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read today's full gossip column

We are just days away until the winter transfer window slams shut and Sunderland are yet to make a signing.

The Black Cats have been linked with Leeds' Leo Hjelde, rumours are rampant with a return of Amad Diallo and as ever fans are clamouring for a striker.

Alex Pritchard also looks set to leave after refusing to play against Stoke.

What business would you like to see Sunderland do in the remaining days of the transfer window? Have your say here.

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Mason Burstow scored his first goal since joining Sunderland on loan from Chelsea in the summer in the Black Cats 3-1 win over Stoke City.

The young striker admitted to BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes that the goal was a huge weight off his shoulders after a frustrating first five months on Wearside.

Burstow said, "It's been frustrating not being on the scoresheet but you know, I've just got to keep working day-in-day-out and eventually it will come, and today it has."

The 20-year-old has had to share game-time with Rusyn, Hemir and Mayenda who also joined the club in the summer and struggled for goals. It hasn't been a rarity for the Black Cats to play without a recognised striker with Jobe Bellingham and Alex Pritchard used in a 'false 9' role.

Lack of playing time has also been a source of frustration for the loanee, "It's been frustrating coming out of the team, obviously."

"I want to play every week, but there's other 'nines' that need to play as well and we're all working very hard to get in the team and to score so there's been healthy competition and today's been my chance."

Now he has his first goal for the club, Burstow says "Hopefully they should keep coming now."

Listen to the full interview here.

We asked for your comments after Sunderland's 3-1 win against Stoke City on Saturday.

Here's what you had to say:

Milo: Very good performance, all over them for much of the game. Team looked spirited so hopefully Beale is beginning to turn a corner. Great to finally see Burstow score too, striker curse well and truly broken?

Rory: MASSIVE relief, great to be reminded it can be done. But doesn’t take away from what’s going on behind the scenes - there haven’t been evident backroom problems like this since the previous administrations. How do we keep this positive momentum?

Colin: Let's see what happens next time out, I am only hoping more than expecting, this team guarantees you nothing.

Richard: Thought we were much more forward thinking and looking to go forward at every opportunity, especially from the midfield. Could definitely see a change in style which was nice. Disappointed with Pritchard, feel like you don't go on strike because you haven't got the contract you wanted. Hope he regrets this and fans don't blame the club or Beale!

Phil: The Pritchard announcement before kick off was a real shock. No player is bigger than the Club. The team knuckled down and produced one of the better recent displays. Beale appeared to get his tactics right pushing Ekwah higher up the pitch and the added height of Seelt at the back was a bonus although his own goal was unfortunate.

Malcolm: A vital win for the manager especially after a very difficult few days characterised calls for his sacking. This buys him time as long as he recognises that fan power in Sunderland is real and can’t be taken for granted. We don’t like to hear managers blaming the players or the fans. The Newcastle humiliation won’t be forgotten easily either.

Michael: I thought the result flattered us, the first half wasn't much different to the Hull game but Burstow's goal made the difference and it was a better second half. Stoke were very poor and have gone backwards this season.

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Luke O'Nien made his 250th appearance for Sunderland in the 3-1 win against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light.

The current club captain is only the third player to reach the milestone since the turn of the millennium - he joins the ranks of John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole.

Luke joined the Black Cats in 2018 from Wycombe and has scored 19 goals with 15 assists for the club. His goal line clearance in the first half v Stoke well summed up his warrior-like die-for-the-shirt mentality for Sunderland.

Although not immune to criticism from fans, few could question his dedication and commitment to the team. He's played in most positions between midfield and defence, most recently forging a centre-back partnership with Dan Ballard.

One of football's true characters, you never know what O'Nien might do next on or off the pitch. From fouling opposition players via piggy-back and kissing them on the lips to saving dogs on Roker beach.

He's starred in Netflix series' and stuck with Sunderland in their fight to get back to the Championship from League One and could play an important part in the push for promotion to the Premier League too.

What do you think of O'Nien's time at Sunderland? Have your say here.

Sunderland beat Stoke City 3-1 at the Stadium of Light through goals from Mason Burstow, Abdoullah Ba and Pierre Ekwah.

Ba was instrumental in all three goals chipping in with two assists while Burstow's contribution was his first for Sunderland and fans will hope it's the first of many now as the club continue to search for a prolific scorer.

Stoke's consolation came from an unfortunate Jenson Seelt own goal.

There was drama pre-match as Sunderland released a statement about Alex Pritchard withdrawing from the match day squad but on the field it was largely positive with BBC Radio Newcastle summariser and former Black Cats captain says it was like "the old Sunderland."

What did you think of the performance, the result and does it make up for things off-the-pitch? Have your say here.

We asked for your comments on Alex Pritchard refusing to play for Sunderland, withdrawing himself from the matchday squad against Stoke as he looks for a move away from Wearside.

Here are some of your comments:

Andrew: Alex Pritchard, or any player that is under contract that refuses to play and therefore not honouring his contract should be suspended/sacked with immediate effect and then the club go through whatever legal avenues are open to them for breach of contract

Milo: I don't like it but I don't blame him. The club has messed him around and he wants nowt more of it. I'm sure he'll leave a hero, considering his part in the promotion years.

Chrissie: Pritchard has been one of our most effective players and looks like he has been treat badly. Manager was a poor appointment and for him to say the fans don’t want him because of his accent is ridiculous. We have had managers from all corners and as long as they do the job the fans are very accepting, they are only interested in results.

Ray: Players are under contract and shouldn’t be able to refuse to play. If I refused to do my work I wouldn’t get paid. The club should withhold wages until a new club is found or his contract expires. If he doesn’t want to play they can’t physically force him to but they can refuse to pay him.

Coco: Says it all about the degree to which the hierarchy have successfully de-stabled the squad with their managerial merry-go-round. Bet he isn’t the only player thinking of leaving!

Rob: Whilst a good player for us, it is not on to withdraw his labour from the club, and fans who have cheered him, when we really need him even if that means coming off the bench. He is still under contract and I hope he is now not getting wages or a percentage of any fee. Very sad way to go and no integrity or respect for fans.

Yvonne: I'm sorry to say that Michael Beale appears to be like a rabbit in headlights & totally out of his depth. His tactics don't suit the team & we will lose good players & continue to lose matches. The fact that Prichard won't play says it all. Time for Beale to go.

Paul: No player is bigger than the club. Unfortunately Pritchard’s head is bigger as he thinks he deserves better. It’s Sunderland fans who deserve better and good riddance to a troublesome “footballer."

George: Don't blame him. One of our best players and I've heard his contract offer was 1 year only on the same money!

Jed: Typical player power from Pritchard. We should sell him immediately but he’s devalued his fee so we should stop his wages if he’s refused to play. Players have too much power these days!