Football Update: Sunderland looking to seal two deals within the week
After finishing 13th in the Premier League last season, Sunderland Manager Steve Bruce has been looking to strengthen his team in order to improve their league position and two players currently being linked with the club are going to do exactly that. Sunderland are looking to sign both John Mensah and David James from Lyon and Portsmouth respectively, with the deals expected to be completed within the coming week.
John Mensah was one of the most impressive central defenders at the World Cup and his performances at the heart of the Ghana team were instrumental in ensuring the team’s progress to the quarter-finals. Known as ‘The Rock of Gibraltar’ due to his physique, Mensah is comfortable playing at right back as well as his favoured position in the centre of defence.
Lyon have already made it clear that Mensah will be leaving the club, as they look to get their finances in order, and Sunderland have taken the lead in trying to land the Ghanaian’s signature. Financial details are yet to be finalized but with both clubs eager, to get a deal done as fast as possible, that should not be any more than a formality. The personal terms may take a little long though, due to the player’s high wage demands being the main reason behind Lyon’s decision of sell him in the first place.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper, David James, on the other hand is looking for a move away from his current club, Portsmouth, after the south coast club was relegated following financial meltdown last season. A number of big name players will be departing the club and Sunderland are looking to cash in on the crisis and the addition of David James to the team could be very beneficial.
Steve Bruce, however, has admitted that David James is looking at a number of options, including Scottish club Celtic, and so the situation is not as clear cut as that of John Mensah. Sunderland have held talks with Portsmouth and it appears that the decision lies completely in the hands of David James. The 39 Year old England goalkeeper has been playing in the Premier League for about two decades and has all the experience needed to be successful at this level.
The Sunderland manager has been looking for a goalkeeper after his first choice keeper, Craig Gordon, was ruled out for the start of the upcoming season. Craig Gordon has suffered a series of setbacks since he was signed by Roy Keane. The young goalkeeper is unfortunately prone to injuries and it would not be wise for Steve Bruce to not look for another keeper at this moment because depending on second choice goalkeeper, Martin Fulop has not proved himself capable and in any case, David James is a renowned goalkeeper whose quality is known at the highest level.
Steve Bruce will be hoping that the deals are concluded soon, so that he can move on to addressing other areas of the squad and hoping that this time Sunderland can finish in the top half and build on that in the following seasons.
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