BRYAN OVIEDO is set to return to Sunderland next week, with the Black Cats struggling to agree a deal for the defender’s departure.

Oviedo had been expected to leave Wearside in the immediate aftermath of his participation at the World Cup, but as Sunderland’s new owners are discovering, it is not always easy to move players on.

The full-back has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs, but the Black Cats are yet to receive a single offer for his services.

As a result, he is due to return to the Academy of Light at the start of next week, and while Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji remain on an unauthorised break after refusing to participate in pre-season training, Jack Ross is confident Oviedo will make himself available for action.

“At the moment, I expect him (Oviedo) to come back,” said the Sunderland boss. “He’s due back on Monday. We’ve given him a little bit of extra time off, which I think was fair enough because he had a long summer in terms of preparation and then the World Cup itself. I’m expecting him to be back.”

Sunderland remain hopeful of agreeing a deal for striker Mohamed Eisa, despite Cheltenham Town rejecting their initial offer of around £1m.

Cheltenham are holding out for at least £1.5m for Eisa, who scored 23 League Two goals last season, and Sunderland are involved in a fierce battle with Portsmouth and Peterborough United to land the 24-year-old.

Talks involving all three clubs remain ongoing, with Cheltenham seemingly resigned to losing their Sudanese striker. At this stage, however, it looks as though Sunderland will have to bid at least another £500,000 in order to sign Jack Ross’ leading attacking target.

The Black Cats are also keen to sign Bradford striker Charlie Wyke and Reading midfielder George Evans, but have so far been unable to complete a deal for either player.

Bolton Wanderers made another attempt to sign Wyke yesterday, while Evans continued to train with Reading despite Sunderland’s ongoing attempts to sign him.