England international Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16, sources said.

England footballer Adam Johnson has been released on bail after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with the club.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract.

Sunderland are taking legal advice over the broadside launched at the club and its players by former manager Paolo Di Canio over the weekend.

Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence over his sacking by Sunderland to deny reports of a training ground bust-up and insist he should have been given more time at the Stadium of Light.

West Brom 3 Sunderland 0

Paolo Di Canio’s turbulent reign as Sunderland manager is over after the Italian and the club parted company.

Paolo Di Canio will today begin the task of trying to keep Sunderland in the Premier League following his appointment as head coach late last night.

Police have opened an investigation into allegations that Sunderland winger James McClean has been the target of death threats.

Sunderland today announced it had reached an agreement for Invest in Africa to become their official partner and shirt sponsor.

Defender Titus Bramble has been fined by Sunderland for bringing the club into disrepute, it was announced today.

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been suspended by the club as investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault and possession of a class A drug.

BENNY TIERNEY agrees. There might be something in the Mullaghbawn water. Kieran McGeeney a manager, Justin McNulty a manager, Margaret Byrne being named the chief executive of Sunderland AFC this week.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is hoping to pull off a double transfer breakthrough by landing free signings Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson.

Sunderland have defended themselves against claims that they have made an illegal approach to West Ham striker Demba Ba.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed the club has held talks with former British Foreign Secretary David Miliband over a role at the Stadium of Light.

HAVING just returned from Limerick to see the Munster XI v Sunderland benefit football match for the Shane Geogegan Trust Benefit Fund which was set up to improve the lives of the disadvantaged, I wish to say what a worthwhile and enjoyable trip it was.

AS a Garryowen rugby player, Shane Geoghegan revelled in his many encounters on the famed Thomond Park turf.

Marton Fulop is expected to train with Manchester City today after the Premier League blocked the Champions League-chasing Blues from prising Joe Hart back from Birmingham.

Sunderland defender Alan Hutton has won his appeal against the punishment he received for his sending-off at Hull on Saturday.

The Football Association have clarified the reasons behind Sunderland defender Michael Turner receiving a four-match ban after his dismissal against Manchester City.

WHEN I heard that an Irish icon in charge of all things Sunderland AFC was about to walk, I had a bit of a panic on. Surely we’d struggle to survive as a Premier League outfit; maybe we’d no longer be able to attract players to the club.

ALL THINGS considered, it’s been a pretty fraught few days in France for Ireland. Early in the week, there were allegations in the French press about Ronan O’Gara, not to mention the rumours of Geordan Murphy’s wish to leave the camp.

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric insists that Clive Clarke is making progress is his recovery from a double heart failure after the defender “sat up and spoke” this afternoon.

CORK’S Liverpool FC supporters’ club secretary John O’Sullivan knows why more people are crossing the Irish Sea to watch his beloved team play their iconic style of football.

SUNDERLAND’S crucial Cham-pionship clash with Burnleytomorrow night goes aheaddespite a fire at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

IT WAS said that, back in his playing days with Leeds United, Jack Charlton used to keep a little black book in which were inscribed the names of certain opponents with whom he planned to settle a few scores.

SUNDERLAND chairman Bob Murray has urged season ticket holders to put their faith in the club as Niall Quinn’s prospective takeover takes shape.