Sunderland AFC transfer news recap: Cats judge Tottenham defender and most recent injury ahead of Portsmouth trip

Hello and welcome to the SAFC live blog on Tuesday.

Sunderland have won five of their last six games to move up to fourth in the League One table – and will look to extend that streak when they face Portsmouth at Fratton Park tonight.

Pompey was beaten 4-1 by Northampton this weekend but remains sixth in the table, five points behind Sunderland, heading into tonight’s game.

We’ll have all the preparation as well as the latest news from Black Cats throughout the day – stick around and refresh the page for live updates.

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson is hoping he has nearly a full squad to choose from over the next week.

Defensive duo Bailey wright and Tom flanagan both missed recent games with calf issues but are expected to return soon.

Tonight’s game will probably come too early for Conor McLaughlin following a hernia operation, but the defender could return for Sunday’s Papa John Trophy final against Tranmere.

Lynden gooch and Ross stewart should also be available again soon, while Grant Leadbitter manages a shoulder problem.

Benji Kimpioka returned to Sunderland as Sunderland U23 drew 1-1 with Newcastle United at the Academy of Light on Monday.

Kimpioka finished 45 minutes alongside senior goalkeeper Remi Matthews as he accelerates his recovery from a serious hamstring injury late last year.

Josh Hawkes continued his superb form for the Black Cats by opening the scoring nine minutes into the game, slicing inside the left to beat Newcastle goalkeeper Dan Langley.

Sunderland also gave 18-year-old center-back Aaron Skinner of Tottenham a start.

Sunderland defenseman Kenton Richardson signed for the Notts County National League team yesterday on a month-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old right-back joined Sudnderland from Hartlepool this summer and has made four appearances for the Black Cats Under-23 team.

Magpies boss Neal Ardley said on the club’s website: “We did our homework on the right-backs three weeks ago before signing Tylor Golden.

“At that point Kenton was on our roster, but he was injured when he joined Sunderland for the first time and had only played one 90-minute game since.

“It was a concern for us, but since then he’s played three more 90-minute games. Those doubts we had about his physical form have gone a bit, so his case has become much stronger.

“He is a tall, strong, powerful and athletic boy and we are so glad to have him.”

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett accepts responsibility for the squad’s poor form but says they are capable of beating anyone in League One.

Pompey has won only one of his last six games and has fallen to sixth place in the table after a 4-1 loss to Northampton.

Pressure has mounted on Jacket ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with promotion rivals Sunderland at Fratton Park, but the 59-year-old believes he can make a difference.

“The nature of it, as a manager, is that the responsibility ends with me,” said Jackett. “I know it and I accept it.

“The results were disappointing and difficult to accept. You feel it 100% as a manager. There is no doubt about that. “

Sunderland Under-23 forward Mitchell Curry is expected to join MLS side Inter Miami CF, according to reports.

The 21-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and hasn’t played for the Black Cats since December.

Inter Miami, which is owned by David Beckham, will begin their 2021 campaign in mid-April as they prepare for a second season in MLS.

According to Roker Report, Curry is set to join Phil Neville’s side and the decision will be announced when the player gets a visa to play in the United States.

Curry joined the Middlesbrough Black Cats at the start of this season and has scored seven goals in 10 appearances for the Under-23 team.

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