Sunderland transfer latest: Oliver Norwood news, Liam Millar talk, Josh Murphy update | OneFootball

The Black Cats endured a difficult second half of the campaign, finishing 16th in the Championship table.

Mike Dodds oversaw the final months of the season as interim head coach following Michael Beale’s dismissal in February.

The search for a permanent replacement continues, with the Wearside outfit hoping the next appointment can guide the team back to the Premier League.

The transfer window does not open until 14 June, but work will have already begun on potential signings after the campaign came to an end on 4 May.

Here we look at the latest Sunderland transfer news…

Oliver Norwood chase

According to Football Insider, the Black Cats are among the clubs to have registered their interest in signing Sheffield United’s Ollie Norwood.

The Blades have confirmed that the 33-year-old will depart Bramall Lane once his contract expires in June.

He has already played his final game for the club, with the Yorkshire outfit suffering relegation back to the Championship this year.

Sunderland will face competition from Hull City and Watford in the race for the player’s signature.

Norwood has plenty of Championship and Premier League experience, having earned promotion to the top flight twice during his time with Sheffield United.

However, a number of MLS clubs are also interested in Norwood, who could opt to make the switch across the Atlantic instead of remaining in English football.

Sunderland’s Liam Millar interest

Liam Millar’s stock rose last season during his loan spell with Preston North End, helping the Lilywhites finish 10th in the Championship table.

According to the Sun, Sunderland are among the clubs now eyeing a move for the Basel player following the end of his time at Deepdale.

Burnley and Sheffield United have also been mentioned as clubs with an interest in signing the winger this summer.

There are also a number of European clubs keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his current contract.

It remains to be seen what kind of fee will be needed to convince Basel to cash in on Millar, who contributed five goals and five assists in the Championship in 35 appearances last season (all stats from Fbref).

Josh Murphy update

Oxford United manager Des Buckingham has provided an update on the future of Josh Murphy.

The winger has been linked with a summer move to the Stadium of Light as he reaches the end of his current contract.

The U’s boss has claimed that the club will do everything it can to keep the 29-year-old following their promotion to the Championship.

“I may have had a chat with him when we were up on the gantry lifting the trophy,” said Buckingham, via the Oxford Mail.

“We’ll do as much as we can to try and keep Josh here. He’s a wonderful person, a very good player, and he suits the way we want to do things.

“We’ll do as much as we can and see where that takes us.”