SUNDERLAND

Jack Ross only started work as Sunderland boss yesterday and it has not taken long for him to be linked with another new face – this time Burnley’s Jon Walters.

It would be a real signal of intent if the Black Cats could actually persuade the Irishman to drop down two divisions into League One.

Walters, who has also been linked with Middlesbrough, has hinted he is willing to drop out of the Premier League after a frustrating first year at Burnley following his departure from Stoke.

The 34-year-old would add plenty of experience, although he would not come cheap either with one morning report claiming Burnley could be looking for as much as £3m for him.

Ross – already credited with an interest in St Mirren pair Kyle Magennis and Gavin Reilly – is interested in signing Celtic’s Lewis Morgan, who he worked with at St Mirren.

Morgan moved to Celtic in January and then was loaned back to the Buddies to help them finish off their promotion charge.

MIDDLESBROUGH

THERE has been fresh reports this morning that Boro are keen to land experienced West Ham defender James Collins.

Collins is set to become a free agent at the end of the month when his deal expires and Tony Pulis is being credited with an interest in the 34-year-old.

The Welsh centre-back is not thought to have been in discussions over a new deal and is braced to leave, despite calls from team-mates to get him tied down in some capacity.

That has opened the door for a move this summer and Middlesbrough, who are aware of interest in Ben Gibson from Everton and Southampton, are looking for different options in that area. Bristol City defender Aden Flint has already been linked.

And The Northern Echo revealed this morning how Middlesbrough are also keeping tabs on James Morrison’s situation before deciding on a move. Morrison is set to become a free agent at West Brom.

NEWCASTLE

Rafa Benitez is keen to add to his squad in a variety of different areas this summer and is considering different options for the heart of his defence.

With Chancel Mbemba available and attracting interest from Anderlecht, it is no surprise that Newcastle have been linked with Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari.

Reports in Italy claim the 26-year-old is likely to be moving on this summer after a successful loan at Sampdoria, where Benitez’s scouting network has flagged him up.

Sampdoria are still in the box seat for his signature because of an £11.5m fee clause in the loan deal that was struck, although it is not believed they want to pay that much.

Ferrrari’s performances at Sampdoria earned him a call to Italy team in March and he is being considered by other Premier League clubs.

Islam Slimani, meanwhile, is wanted by Fenerbahce. The Algerian striker had an unsuccessful loan on Tyneside and has returned to Leicester, who no longer want him.

And Turkish club Fener are in the hunt for his signature.

OTHER CLUBS …

Fred is set to complete a move to Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk next week.

Juventus have reportedly offered Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea in their efforts to re-sign Alvaro Morata.

Jose Mourinho is closing in on Russia's World Cup poster boy Aleksandr Golovin.

New Everton manager Marco Silva wants to make Portugal midfield star William Carvalho his first signing.

Bayern Munich will listen to offers for Jerome Boateng, Thiago Alcantara, Juan Bernat and Arturo Vidal.

Diogo Dalot is to undergo a Manchester United medical as the Porto full-back nears a £17.4m transfer to Old Trafford.

Manchester United target Thomas Meunier has stated he is happy at PSG, despite rumours linking him to Old Trafford.

Marouane Fellaini will decide over the next 48 hours whether to leave Manchester United.