All the latest transfer talk from the North-East and beyond ...

SUNDERLAND

Sunderland target Jason Naismith has dealt a blow to Jack Ross by heading for Peterborough United.

The Black Cats are known to have shown an interest in the Ross County defender and Aberdeen and Burton were both pushing for his signature too.

But Peterborough have struck the deal that they were all keen on by handing him a three-year deal and it is understood they have paid more than the £200,000 Sunderland had offered.

Posh assistant manager Paul Raynor said: "He is much sought after, everyone can see that he has been linked with a lot of clubs in the newspapers and everyone can see the calibre of club that have been interested.

“We are delighted that he has listened to what we had to say, we have sold him the dream of what we want to achieve here and he is pleased to put pen to paper with us.”

While Ross continues to look to land his first summer signing, interest continues to grow in Paddy McNair.

As well as a couple of offers for the £7m-rated midfielder from Brighton, it has emerged Crystal Palace have now joined Wolves and a host of Championship clubs keen to sign him.

NEWCASTLE

Brazilian winger Kenedy is still high in Newcastle’s sights and they have been encouraged to make a club record-busting move for him.

Chelsea would prefer to sell rather than let him leave on loan again, having watched him perform well at St James’ Park in the second half of last season.

His performances have alerted a number of clubs from the Premier League and abroad and Newcastle are being told they need to find £20m to land their man.

Bayern Munich, Leipzig, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been credited with an interested but he did enjoy working with Rafa Benitez on Tyneside.

An interesting twist in Newcastle’s transfer dealings this summer could well prove to be the news that the Spanish job will soon be up for grabs.

Spain’s Julian Lopetegui has agreed to takeover Real Madrid after the World Cup and there is currently a battle between the Spanish FF and the players over whether he stays in charge for the finals.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Albert Adomah’s name is refusing to go away, amid further suggestions that Boro boss Tony Pulis wants him to return to the Riverside.

There is no disputing that Middlesbrough need a fresh injection down the flanks to compete with the options they already have, and Adomah would fit the bill with his pace and versatility.

Aston Villa are looking to move players on this summer to reduce costs following the failure to go up through the play-offs, leaving the club in something of a financial pickle.

Pulis is looking to make additions and Mo Besic, after an impressive spell on Teesside, remains high in his thinking after an impressive loan from Everton.

Southampton are ready to test the water with an offer for Ben Gibson too, amid talk that Everton see him as cheaper alternative to Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles.

OTHER CLUBS …

Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio has threatened to quit the club amid interest from Liverpool.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly plotting a shock swap deal with PSG to bring in Kylian Mbappe.

Liverpool and Chelsea have both shown an interest in Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

Leicester and Everton are ready to slug it out for Norwich's England U21 midfielder James Maddison.

Watford expect to wrap up the £11.7m signing of Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu on a four-year contract this week.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is wanted by Everton after just one season at Old Trafford.