Sunderland news round-up: Henderson demand emerges as £43m transfer claim made
Sunderland are facing a busy transfer window ahead of their first season in the Premier League in eight years.
Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is set to back his fellow Frenchman Regis Le Bris this summer.
Jobe Bellingham has already departed Wearside for Borussia Dortmund and the Mackems are expected to accelerate plans for next season in the coming weeks.
Here, Mackem News rounds up the latest news coming out of the Stadium of Light.
Roberts faces uncertain future at Sunderland
Patrick Roberts has impressed over the last few seasons at Sunderland.
Roberts’ assist for Eliezer Mayenda during the play-off final was crucial in getting the Mackems back into the game.
However, the step up to the Premier League could be too much for the 28-year-old as he might find his playing time limited.
With Sunderland looking to spend big after banking £28million from the Bellingham transfer, it has been reported that Roberts could be discouraged from staying at Sunderland.
The 28-year-old would certainly represent a useful player for almost every Championship side, so there is bound to be plenty of interest in his signature if he were to become available.
Sunderland increase season ticket prices ahead of Premier League campaign
Sunderland are one of 13 top-flight clubs to increase their cheapest adult prices for next season.
And according to a new study, Sunderland fans are the “hardest hit” by Premier League ticket prices
Sunderland have raised the price of their cheapest ticket by 11 per cent to now cost £490, with rivals Newcastle upping their prices by five per cent to £695.
The hike in cost is difficult for fans of the Mackems, who will still no doubt sell out week in and week out.
However, Sunderland still rank fourth for the cheapest season tickets in the top tier and fans will see the chance to witness Premier League football as priceless.
Jill Scott desperate for Henderson return at Sunderland
Ajax are willing to let Henderson leave on a free transfer, paving the way for a return to his boyhood club, Sunderland.
Henderson’s Ajax future has been in doubt after reports that Johnny Heitinga does not consider him in his plans.
And speaking on talkSPORT, former Sunderland Women’s player Jill Scott said: “We want Jordan back in Sunderland, so yeah, hopefully it happens.”
Sunderland could smash transfer record on Abline
Keith Downie recently reported there is “every chance” that Sunderland will break their transfer record again this summer after signing Enzo Le Fee.
| Matthis Abline’s Nantes career so far | |
| Appearances | 60 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 3 |
Reports from abroad have linked Sunderland with Nantes striker Matthis Abline this summer.
The Frenchman netted 11 times this past season and could be available for just £17million.
Sunderland have been told Abline could be worth £43m in the future by French football expert Andrés Onrubia Ramos, so making a move right now makes total sense.