IN this week's North East Notes, we bring you news of a winning start at Middlesbrough on the back of a fresh appointment and a defender set for a move after Newcastle links earlier this summer.

But we'll start with Sunderland and their summer signing Ian Poveda...

POVEDA INTRIGUE

There's not expected to be a reunion for Ian Poveda today, with Regis Le Bris hinting this week that the Sunderland summer signing is not quite ready to be included in the matchday squad.

But when the former Leeds attacker - who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday - is ready to feature, it will be interesting to see where he fits in, for his versatility gives Le Bris a number of different options - with a couple particularly intriguing the head coach.

"I think he can play on both sides and as a No.10 as well," said Le Bris this week.

"His preference is to play, then after to be available for the team.

"He's left footed so on the right side it could be interesting but behind the striker could be very interesting as well. We have many opportunities with him."

DEFENDER SET FOR LIVERPOOL EXIT AFTER NEWCASTLE LINKS

Had things played out differently earlier this summer, Joe Gomez would have been a Newcastle player now.

When Liverpool were in talks with the Magpies over signing Anthony Gordon, Gomez moving in the other direction was one option discussed. Gordon, to the delight of United fans, stayed put.

As did Gomez at Liverpool, but that could be about to change.

The 27-year-old didn't travel with the Reds for their Premier League opener with Ipswich Town yesterday and is said to be exploring his options elsewhere. Aston Villa, Fulham and Chelsea have been linked.

READ MORE:

Newcastle United boss addresses Marc Guehi situation with Fabian Schar facing a ban

Regis Le Bris on his Sunderland striker pecking order after Jobe Bellingham decision

Michael Carrick confirms Middlesbrough injury 'blow' after Derby County defeat

MASON BURSTOW'S 'LEARNING CURVE'

Former Sunderland loanee Mason Burstow said he wants to "make a statement" after joining Hull City on a permanent deal this week.

Burstow struggled in his season on Wearside and didn't once hit the net in red and white, describing his stint with Sunderland as a "learning curve".

But he's now desperate to kick on after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at the MKM Stadium.

Burstow said: “It’s a big accomplishment for myself. I’m really excited to be here. There’s a real homely feel about the club, with big aspirations, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“There’s a real project here. The new manager has got a way of playing that is really bright, really attacking and positive.

“I play through the middle and always try to be a threat in the box. I can link play, hold it up and run in behind. Hopefully, there are different avenues the manager can use me.

“Sunderland was a learning curve but hopefully Hull is the place I can kick on and make a statement for myself.”

On the subjects of strikers with Sunderland transfer links, several clubs look set to have to admit defeat in their pursuit of Jay Stansfield, who was a target for the Black Cats 12 months ago.

Birmingham City were desperate to re-sign Stansfield after his loan spell at St Andrew's last season, while Stoke are one of a number of Championship clubs keen.

But the 21-year-old looks set to stay at Fulham, whose boss Marco Silva said: “He’s going to be a player for Fulham and there’s nothing more to say. We can keep receiving approaches but our idea is to keep him and we are going to keep him in our squad.”

WINNING START AT BORO

Rob Jones was this week announced as Middlesbrough's new Under-18s lead coach, replacing James Marwood, who left to become assistant at Newcastle in the same age group.

And Jones got off to the perfect start yesterday - against the Magpies ironically enough - with Boro coming out on top 1-0 in the Tyne Tees derby season curtain raiser.

Boro's Frankie Coulson scored the only goal early in the second half.