Sorry if there are a million threads already, but what's the latest goss? Im sitting in Hanoi Vietnam, my flights delayed, spent the day travelling and have missed out on alot of talk since Sunday night... Is peruzzi confirmed, or have our hopes been dashed? Mavrias still on? Bardo gone yet? I can only do this on the app on my phone which isn't even 3G on this sim, so any help would be appreciated!
here you go marra, just about up to speed with this Sunderland’s pursuit of Argentinian left back Lucas Orban appears to have come to an end as he looks set to join French outfit Bordeaux. He has been tracked by Di Canio for most of the summer and he has tried to tempt away from the likes of Villareal, River Plate and Nice. With two full backs still needed, the deal for Peruzzi could come back to life. However, the deal for Greek winger Charis Mavrias looks like it could be completed this week as he apparently arrives for a medical on Thursday. The Panathinaikos star is expected to cost somewhere in the region of £1.2m with instalments totalling £2.5m. The versatile winger can also play in the left back position, adding some much needed cover. This puts James McClean’s position under further scrutiny and with Celtic apparently interested in him it could be the end of the Irishman’s Sunderland career. Meanwhile, Connor Wickham is desperate to make an impact and become a first team regular. The England U21 striker wants more playing time after starting only eight games since joining in 2011. He said: “Obviously the main aim for the season is to try to establish myself in the first-team this year. There’s good competition up front because we’ve got a number of good strikers at the club now. But hopefully I can just get my head down, work as hard as I can and make sure I do everything right personally. Hopefully then, the manager will recognise it.” Meanwhile, Sunderland seem to be keen to offload Lee Cattermole, but have had no luck so far. The club are now willing to let him go out on loan in order to free up some cash for new signings. Phil Bardsley is likely to follow with Fulham now the favourites to sign him. Watch out for Hull too. Mauro Zarate has also officially left Lazio today and is now available on a free transfer. Sunderland had been linked with the skilful forward but their interest has recently cooled. However, Di Canio may now be tempted to offer the player a contract. He will have to act quick as the player is reportedly already in talks with Argentinian club Velez. In other news, the final pre-season game has been announced against Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland. The match will take place at the MCH Arena in Herning, on 7th August with a 6pm kick-off. Ticket details will be announced shortly.
