Sunderland are preparing to make a move to sign Rangers defender David Bates, who is out of contract this summer. The Black Cats beat Hull City 1-0 over the weekend to boost their Championship survival hopes, with Joel Asoro bagging the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland still find themselves in major trouble, though, and manager Chris Coleman will be hoping to bring in new signings before next week's transfer deadline to boost his squad. please log in to view this image Now The Daily Record report that Sunderland are eyeing up a raid on Scottish side Rangers, as they want to sign defender Bates. Bates is out of contract at the end of the season, and with no new deal on the table just yet, Rangers could well lose the young centre back, either this month in a bargain deal or at the end of the season when his contract ends. Sunderland are now hoping to take full advantage with a move for Bates, as they look to land a talented young defender given question marks about the future of Lamine Kone. Bates, 21, joined Rangers from Raith Rovers back in the summer of 2016, initially penning a loan deal before making the move permanent in January, 2017 as Rangers saw potential in him. The centre back now has 14 first-team appearances to his name for Rangers, and whilst he looks to have a bright future, that could now lie away from Ibrox as Sunderland seemingly prepare their move.
The last sentence says it all - you need to feel proud as punch to be associated with us - we are unique and like no other club. We are on an emotional magical journey.
Chris Martin is currently in Dubai mulling over his decision whether to joinSunderland on loan or not this month, Sky Sports News understands. The 29-year-old striker is there with the rest of the Derby squad for some warm-weather training. Derby boss Gary Rowett admitted at the weekend that Sunderland were in for Martin along with some other clubs. Sky sources understand another to be Reading.
I'm not saying we'd be the best choice for a loan spell if a better team will take him, and play him, but he'd have nothing to lose by joining us temporarily. Low expectations and a manager who will treat him well, could be worse.
This..... Only a few short years ago Martin could have only dreamt of playing for SAFC. Now he is torn between us and Reading. Sorry, but he would have been asked once then we move on, we shouldn't be held to ransom by a 2nd rate striker. Shows how far our club has fallen.
This is the reality of our situation though, fella. A few short years ago is irrelevant. We are a club on a downward spiral, desperately trying to stabilise. We play in a half empty stadium in front of (some) fans who turn up to abuse the players. Granted, the potential is there etc etc, but for a loan player it's about the here and now n.b. I take no pleasure in writing this.
Obviously it wouldn't be wise if we only bid for Martin but I'm not offended by him weighing up his options and neither do I think we should immediately ditch our interest because he's daring to consider his future rather than just agreeing to sign like an eager dog. We're an ok prospect, so are Reading. If he picks us in the end then great.
I'd rather he took his time instead of rushing in then not being in any way committed to the club, no prizes for guessing who I am talking about.
Yep works both ways, Players want clubs who want them, who sell themselves. If we threw the towel in on every target who didn't jump through hoops instantly we'd sign nobody ever.
IN THE BAGGIES Norwich and Sunderland head the queue to loan West Brom whizkid Sam Field Championship rivals Derby have also made enquiries and view the versatile ace as a holding midfielder
http://www.skysports.com/football/n...with-wolves-over-deal-for-winger-ben-marshall Ben Marshall on loan potentially from Wolves, would be happy with that. Let’s face it our wide players haven’t exactly been great this year, need some more competition. Always thought he was alright at Blackburn
I don't get that. He's a footballer with offers on the table to consider - why should he make his mind up "Now" whether we are his club of choice? Surely a player who takes time over a decision and makes the right one (be it us or elsewhere) would be a better acquisition than one who signed then regretted it? If he wants to come, chances are he will. People say "Hope we've moved on" like all of our eggs are in one basket when, in reality, none of us know and the chances are that the club has target's it's pursuing (and this appears to be something Coleman would be doing and has intimated)
So right, I know what we would do if a better Centre Forward became available. It's just the way that it is.
Less than a week to go before the window closes and still no strikers signed. I've said elsewhere on here if we end up with the two young kids as our strike force then I fear for the outcome. I'm sure Mr Bain is trying very hard but now he needs to up his game and give us all some hope that we can get away from the drop zone. Worrying times indeed.
Looks like every target we look at something changes and it's off Martin looks set to go elsewhere. Fletcher loan from Boro could be a no go now as Pulis only wants to let one striker leave and Bordeaux have bid for Braithwaite.
