Many Sunderland fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Josh Hawkes.

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light faithful, the midfield player has now signed for Tranmere Rovers on a permanent deal, seeking more first team football.

He had only made two senior appearances for Lee Johnson's team this season before moving on loan to Tranmere, where he scored one goal and made a further three assists (Transfermarkt), and now joins them permanently.

Having done well at Hartlepool United and at youth level for the Black Cats, scoring 27 times and supplying eight assists before this campaign (Transfermarkt), some SAFC supporters did not want to see the 22-year-old leave.

Journalist and Sunderland fan Josh Bunting claimed that it is 'frustrating' as Hawkes was the player that he was 'excited about the most'.

Sunderland fans on Hawkes transfer news

These Black cats fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is a 'weird' move:

"Surprising and hugely disappointing decision from @SunderlandAFC"

Credit: @RokerPark150705

"Think we could regret this one"

Credit: @Lennonspringett

"Weird choice thought he was promising"

Credit: @markbussey14

"Better than Diamond … big mistake"

Credit: @Baybeface87

"Hate this, absolutely stupid selling a promising young player again, it’s getting stupid now Sunderland"

Credit: @Jack76943

"Would’ve kept him tbh"

Credit: @safctom

In other news, find out who Sunderland's three worst players were against Portsmouth here!