Sunderland's former sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is in line for the director of football role at Birmingham City, according to reports. Speakman's six-year tenure at Sunderland saw the Black Cats return to the Premier League from League One, following two play-off final victories. The news comes as the Black Cats face a summer of uncertainty following the Spygate scandal, which saw Southampton expelled from the Championship play-off final after being caught cheating. The incident has led to head coach Tonda Eckert being investigated by the FA and likely to receive a lengthy ban. Meanwhile, Sunderland are monitoring the situation of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has attracted interest from Everton and Fenerbahçe. The right-back has been a regular starter for West Ham United, but was an unused substitute for four of their last seven league games. Sunderland are also keeping an eye on the situation at Burnley, where Steven Gerrard is being linked with the managerial role. The former Rangers and Aston Villa boss has been out of a managerial role since leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. Swansea City are closing in on a deal to sign Celtic defender Stephen Welsh, who has agreed to terminate his contract at the Bhoys 12 months early.