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Winger has Championship interest after Sunderland exit as legends set for charity event The latest news from Sunderland as winger Bertrand Traore is the subject of interest from the Championship after leaving the Black Cats. Bertrand Traore has reportedly received interest from the Championship and abroad after his departure from Sunderland was confirmed earlier this summer. The Burkina Faso international joined the Black Cats from Ajax last summer after a fee of around £2.5m was agreed with the Dutch giants. However, Traore struggled to establish himself in Regis Le Bris’ side on a regular basis throughout what would become a memorable season for the Black Cats. Speaking ahead of the final fortnight of the season, the Black Cats head coach said of the former Ajax man: "I told him, and it's clear with you as well: Bertrand, when he's available for selection, is playing for Sunderland. Until the last game, last day, he's 100% aligned with the others." The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. Traore did not make an appearance during the away win at Everton and the final day victory against Chelsea as the Stadium of Light faithful celebrated their side landing a seventh placed finish that secured Europa League football for the upcoming season. A firm decision over Traore’s long-term future was announced just weeks later when Sunderland confirmed they had opted against triggering a one-year option in his contract to officially bring an end to his time on Wearside. Sky Sports have now given an indication of what could lie ahead for the versatile winger after they reported ‘a host of Championship clubs’ were keen on securing his signature. An update on their website read: “Free agent Bertrand Traore is fully fit and firing after recovering from an injury sustained toward the end of the campaign with Sunderland. The Burkina Faso captain has rejected several offers from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, because he prefers to continue playing in England. A host of Championship clubs have expressed their interest in signing him.” North East legends set to mark charity landmark Legends from Sunderland, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough are set to face off in a Ryder Cup-style golf competition that will mark the 30th anniversary of anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card. Former Sunderland manager Peter Reid will captain the Black Cats side as they go up against Chris Hughton’s Newcastle and Viv Anderson’s Middlesbrough in an event that will be held at Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club near Durham on Monday, August 10. Kevin Phillips and Gary Bennett will be on the Sunderland side hoping to claim the bragging rights on the course and they will be joined by a whole host of former Premier League stars. The likes of Dwight Gayle, Steve Howey, John Beresford, Peter Beardsley and Shola Ameobi will be amongst the Magpies squad with Dean Gordon, Craig Hignett, Gary Pallister and Brian Deane representing Boro. Newcastle United Women will also be represented with Lois Joel, Emma Kelly, Jemma Purfield, Emilia Larson and Beth Lumsden also taking part. A charity auction will be held at an evening dinner that will take place after the competition has come to a close and further information on the items available can be found via the Show Racism the Red Card website here. Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland transfer news: Defender returns to training at Academy of Light amid interest from Turkey