Here’s what Bolton boss Ian Evatt had to say about Sunderland ahead of this weekend’s game.

Bolton have recorded back-to-back wins over Ipswich and Shrewsbury, and Evatt hopes his side can build on the momentum.

“Sunderland, for me, are the best football team in the league. I think it will be a good challenge,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be a very good game. Of the teams at the top, that’s the one I like the most – the way he plays.

“I look forward to a technical and tactical battle. We have to make sure we are at the top of our game because they are a very good team.

Another name that has been mentioned is that of Northampton left-back Ali Koiki.

Sunderland have followed the 22-year-old and are now looking a little light in the left-back position following Denver Hume’s move to Portsmouth.

For more, we caught up with Northampton journalist James Heneghan from our sister title The Northampton Chronicle.

“There has been interest in Ali Koiki from a few clubs this month, but as of last week Northampton had received nothing concrete.

“His contract expires this summer, but the club have the option of extending it for a year, which they will almost certainly trigger, either to get more money or to keep him for longer.

“He’s become an important player this season after joining as a free agent, but every player has their price and I expect them to sell at the right price.”

We should get a further update on Defoe when Johnson speaks to the media this morning.

The Black Cats boss said last week he had been in contact with the striker, saying “we are working really hard to try and get Jermain in”.

Defoe is known to have several options, with Oxford and Charlton apparently interested.

Sunderland’s priority before Monday’s transfer deadline is to sign another striker.

Hello and welcome to our SAFC live blog.

Black Cats boss Lee Johnson is due to hold his pre-match press conference at 9.15am today ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bolton.

We’ll have live updates here, including the latest news and transfer talk on Wearside.

Stick around and refresh the page for live updates.