Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal refused to confirm his interest in Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria as speculation mounted that he is on his way to Old Trafford.

Sunderland appeared to one step closer to signing Manchester City’s Jack Rodwell after he was pictured at the club’s training ground on Monday.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers argues his side are far from the finished article but believes they are on the road to winning the title.

Struggling Sunderland have recalled striker Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Leeds as head coach Gus Poyet searches desperately for firepower.

Paolo Di Canio has hit back at Martin O’Neill as the war of words between the former Sunderland managers continued.

Paolo Di Canio has hit back at Martin O’Neill as the war of words between the former Sunderland managers continued.

For the majority, it almost goes without saying, the strangest thing about Martin O’Neill’s appointment as the manager of Ireland is his choice of assistant.

Ahoy, mateys.

Nemanja Vidic’s faith in the quality of Manchester United’s squad has not been shaken by their awful start to the Premier League campaign.

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

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed Santi Cazorla is unlikely to play before the next international break because of an ankle injury.

Jozy Altidore will arrive on Wearside tomorrow to complete his move to Sunderland.

New Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has warned Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood he did not join the club to sit on the bench.

Sunderland 2 Fulham 2

Darron Gibson could return to the Republic of Ireland squad for next month's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned arch-rivals Manchester United that the title race is far from over despite their seven-point lead.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned arch-rivals Manchester United that the title race is far from over despite their seven-point lead.

Sunderland 1 Chelsea 3

Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler has warned his Sunderland team-mates he will be gunning for them when he returns to the club in January.

James McClean is hoping a visit to a place where he enjoyed one of his best days last season will help him kick-start his current campaign.

Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1

Luis Suarez snatched just a second point Barclays Premier League of the season for Liverpool as Sunderland were denied victory.

Sunderland winger James McClean will be told to take greater responsibility for his career after risking his international future in a Twitter outburst.

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is convinced big-money signings Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson will bring the flair back to the Stadium of Light.

Adam Johnson will make his Sunderland debut against League Two Morecambe tomorrow night as manager Martin O’Neill launches a new phase of his mission on Wearside.

Sunderland’s Premier League clash with Reading this afternoon has been called off after torrential rain on Wearside.

Sunderland defender Wes Brown was today heading back to Wearside fearing yet another lengthy injury lay-off.

Even the perpetually cautious Roberto Mancini surely can’t now put up a convincing argument to suggest that Manchester United remain favourites for the title.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers claims their 2-0 defeat against Everton shows they are still “operating in the art of the underdog”.

Sunderland 1 Liverpool 0

Aiden McGeady has admitted the prospect of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 adventure is keeping him awake with excitement.

FT: Sunderland 2 Swansea 0

JOHN O’SHEA has admitted Sunderland need to return to winning ways sooner rather than later to save Steve Bruce’s job.

John O’Shea has admitted Sunderland need to return to winning ways sooner rather than later if they are to save Steve Bruce’s job.

Darren Bent has again insisted his transfer to Aston Villa was not motivated by money as he prepares for his first return to Sunderland on Saturday.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has warned derby rivals Sunderland not to be taken in by the furore surrounding controversial midfielder Joey Barton.

John O’Shea was persuaded to leave Manchester United by the prospect of exciting times ahead at Sunderland under manager Steve Bruce.

JOHN O’SHEA wasn’t Sunderland’s only big Irish signing yesterday as the club announced the appointment of 31-year-old Irish solicitor Margaret Byrne as their new CEO.

Manchester United defender John O’Shea has put pen to paper on a four-year deal to join Wes Brown at Sunderland.

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Wes Brown was having a medical at Sunderland last night as manager Steve Bruce edged closer to another summer signing — and he could be closely followed by Ireland’s John O’Shea.

Manchester United defender Wes Brown is expected to have a medical at Sunderland this evening as manager Steve Bruce edges closer to another summer signing.

Sunderland 1 Wolves 3

Left-back Maynor Figueroa is again Wigan’s only major absentee as they prepare to face Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow.

MICHAEL TURNER admitted Manchester City’s two early goals “killed” Sunderland as the Black Cats slipped to a 5-0 defeat in the north west.