SUNDERLAND

The Black Cats are certainly making progress on the departures front, with Papy Djilobodji the latest player closer to an exit.

As goalkeeper Jason Steele heads to finalise a move to Brighton and Sunderland accepted a £5m-plus offer from Middlesbrough for Paddy McNair, it has emerged that Djilobodji could be on his way to Turkey.

The 29-year-old defender is wanted by Trabzonspor after Dijon decided not to follow up his loan deal by striking a permanent switch. Trabzonspor have more money to than Dijon and should be able to get things wrapped up.

Djilobodji has failed to impress since his £8m move from Chelsea and, even though he was loaned out last season, Sunderland were still believed to be paying half his wages.

Sunderland are still looking to offload Wahbi Khazri, Lamine Kone and Jack Rodwell too, with others expected to go if offers come along, and if successful then the wage bill have been eased to the tune of well in excess of £100,000 a week.

Sunderland are looking to bring in a long line of new players themselves, and Wolves’ teenage defender Cameron John, 18, has been mentioned this morning.

Jack Ross, the Sunderland boss, has also been credited with making an approach – which has annoyed St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright – for goalkeeper coach Paul Mathers.

NEWCASTLE

It has looked likely that Mikel Merino would leave Newcastle for some time and that appears to have now stepped closer.

While Athletic Bilbao have taken a step back from a possible deal in recent weeks, Real Sociedad have increased their interest and negotiations with Newcastle are said to be at an advanced stage.

Sociedad are pushing to do a £12m deal for a player who only moved to the Magpies permanently during last season, when a loan deal triggered an £8m full-time switch from Borussia Dortmund.

There has been a fresh report linking Newcastle with another goalkeeper, even though they have recently completed the signing of Martin Dubravka.

Paris St Germain’s Alphonse Areola was linked with St James’ Park last summer before Dubravka’s arrival and now he has been touted for a move to Tyneside again.

Napoli and Roma are also said to be keen but the reports in France suggest Rafa Benitez has spoken to him about a move.

If Newcastle follow this through then it would seem to suggest that the futures of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are in doubt.

MIDDLESBROUGH

There has been a suggestion that Middlesbrough are about to make a firm £5m offer for Bristol City defender Aden Flint.

Boro are long term admirers of him dating back to before Tony Pulis took over and now that interest appears to have continued under him.

Flint’s style of play would suit Pulis, as he is a commanding centre-back who is no-nonsense and is capable of scoring too.

The 28-year-old was wanted by Middlesbrough and Birmingham last summer but ended up staying at Ashton Gate where he got back in the team and signed a new contract. The Robins will want more than £5m.

Aitor Karanka looks ready to make his move for Patrick Bamford.

The Nottingham Forest manager wants to work with Bamford again after signing him twice during his time at the Riverside.

Bamford was one of those expected to have been moved on in January by Pulis but then he became big player for him after switching to a central attacking role.

Middlesbrough would not be looking to let him go so if he was to leave then they would want a hefty fee and probably more than the £6m they paid to Chelsea for him in January 2017.

OTHER CLUBS …

Manchester United have slapped a £100m price tag on Tottenham target Anthony Martial.

Tottenham and Arsenal have entered the race for Liverpool wonderkid Rhian Brewster.

West Ham and Burnley are competing for Senegal World Cup star Moussa Konate.

Newcastle target Andrej Kramaric has been given a £43.9m price tag by Hoffenheim.

Aaron Mooy is an £18m target for Everton and Southampton.

Southampton are lining up a move for Red Bull Salzburg's hot prospect Amadou Haidara.