Ex-Hearts duo and former Hibs loanee amongst those released by Sunderland - Jon McLaughlin offered new deal

The League One side have revealed their retained list for next season

Kyle Lafferty has left Sunderland while Jon McLaughlin offered new deal. Picture: SNS

Former Hearts favourites Alim Ozturk and Kyle Lafferty have been released by Sunderland.

Also, departing the Stadium of Light is Duncan Watmore, who had a short loan spell with Hibs in 2014, as the English League One side revealed their retained list for next season which includes Aiden McGeady and Chris Maguire.

There has also been speculation over Jon McLaughlin, with reports of a return to Hearts or linking up with former boss Jack Ross at Easter Road.

Duncan Watmore had a short spell on loan at Hibs. Picture: SNS

Sunderland have confirmed they have offered the Scotland international a new deal.

The goalkeeper is likely to be in demand this summer with reports of interest from Blackburn Rovers and Rangers.

McLaughlin has been a reliable performer for the Black Cats following an excellent 2017/18 season at Tynecastle which prompted Ross to sign him.

Oztruk’s time at Sunderland has been mixed, while Lafferty joined in a short-term deal in January following reports of a return to Hearts, with the striker keen on such a move.

Watmore has been at the Stadium of Light for seven years, his progress hampered by a string of injuries.

He featured just ten times at Hibs during a loan spell, scoring once against Partick Thistle.

Regarding his next move, the 26-year-old told the Sunderland Echo: “Most football clubs don’t know what’s going on at the moment and there’s just so much uncertainty. I’ve just got to wait and see and play it by ear, but I’ll be ready for what comes next.”