Peterborough United held transfer talks with Sunderland defender as speculation about a return to London Road for Josh Knight intensifies, interest in other potential targets has cooled

Peterborough United held transfer talks with Sunderland’s out-of-contract defender Luke O’Nien, the Peterborough Telegraph understands.
Luke O'Nien blocks a Jonson Clarke-Harris shot when playing for Sunderland against Posh last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Luke O'Nien blocks a Jonson Clarke-Harris shot when playing for Sunderland against Posh last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Luke O'Nien blocks a Jonson Clarke-Harris shot when playing for Sunderland against Posh last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

But the deal is not expected to happen should Posh capture first-choice defensive target Josh Knight from Leicester City. Speculation that Knight was on his way back to Posh has increased in recent days, although co-owner Darragh MacAnthony issued a denial that the 23 year-old had already signed a three-year contract on social media yesterday (July 1).

O’Nien’s versatility would have attracted Posh boss Darren Ferguson. The 26 year-old is comfortable at full-back, centre-back or in central midfield. Luton Town have also reportedly shown an interest in the player.

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The Peterborough Telegraph also understands Posh interest in Rotherham’s attacking midfielder Matt Crooks and Cardiff City striker Max Watters has cooled.

Posh won’t meet Rotherham’s valuation of Crooks - The Millers turned down a bid of £400k from Ipswich Town this week - and Cardiff’s ownership are keen to see the £1 million invested in Watters in January pay off at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Posh bid for Watters before he moved from Crawley to Cardiff. A potential loan deal has been ruled out by Posh.