The Championship outfit are reportedly keen on Sunderland's Nectar Triantis
Sunderland's Nectarios Triantis
Nectarios Triantis could be set to leave Sunderland(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers are reportedly keen to sign Sunderland’s versatile player Nectar Triantis.
According to the Daily Record, Blackburn are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring when it comes to being interested in Sunderland's Triantis.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a good season out on loan north of the border in the Scottish Premiership with Hibernian, appearing 34 times in the top flight of Scottish football and scoring three goals, but he has since returned to the Stadium of Light following the end of his 18-month temporary stint at Easter Road.
Across that period, the Australian appeared 50 times for Hibs, and despite joining them as a centre-back, Triantis was converted into a midfielder not long after his arrival, and it’s a position that he appeared in regularly under manager David Gray.
Hibs are said to want to sign him permanently and other clubs are said to be keen on Triantis, with German Bundesliga side St. Pauli among those, whilst Portsmouth are also said to be interested.
Triantis arrived in England with Sunderland two years ago from Central Coast Mariners in Australia, where he only had 27 first-team appearances under his belt for them and Western Sydney Wanderers before his move across the world to Wearside.
He managed just three appearances in his first season for the Black Cats though before being sent out to Hibs, and he was down the pecking order under Regis Le Bris too last summer, which led to another temporary move to Scotland.
Following their promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland are likely to strengthen in their defence and midfield, and that will push Triantis even further down the pecking order, so with two years remaining on his deal, they may see the perfect opportunity to cash in on the Aussie’s services.
Content Image
Content Image
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has left Sunderland to sign for newly-promoted League One outfit AFC Wimbledon.
The shot-stopper has agreed a three-year contract at Plough Lane, bringing an end to a two-year spell at the Stadium of Light.
After spending the majority of last season on loan in the third tier with Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United, Bishop returns to League One following the Dons’ play-off final triumph in May.
Sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman said: “Nathan has been an outstanding professional throughout his time at Sunderland AFC, playing an important role within the squad and the dressing room.
“Although injuries disrupted his playing time whilst on loan last season, he ended the campaign strongly.
"This is a step he’s ready to take and his professionalism and work ethic will ensure he has an excellent platform to build from at AFC Wimbledon. We all wish him well.”