Published on Saturday 2 July 2011 11:30 JOHN OâSHEA is likely to be Sunderlandâs next signing of the summer, with the Black Cats making surprisingly quick progress in talks with the Manchester United defender.  But the move could yet be complicated by rumoured late interest from Arsenal, who are poised to lose left-back Gael Clichy to Manchester City in a £7m deal this weekend and are casting around for defensive reinforcements. Sunderland had a combined £12m bid accepted last month for a trio of Manchester United players deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford â OâShea (pictured), Wes Brown and Darron Gibson. And the immediate thinking was that Gibson would jump at the chance of moving to the Stadium of Light, Brown would consider it while OâShea would prefer to remain at Manchester United and fight to win his way back into the managerâs plans. But the reality is that 30-year-old OâShea has been the swiftest to take up Sunderlandâs interest, despite claims elsewhere that he didnât fancy or had rejected the move. And if talks remain on course, the Republic of Ireland international will become Steve Bruceâs sixth signing of the summer just as the Black Catsâ squad returns for pre-season training midweek. The only thing that could seriously derail a move is if Arsenalâs interest in signing OâShea is genuine. The Gunners would be able to offer the defender the chance to extend his stay at the very highest level of the game, with Champions League football on offer and his best chance of adding to a medal haul of five league titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups and a Champions League trophy. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has form for this sort of move, Mikael Silvestre making the move to the Emirates in 2009. But any proposed move is unlikely to appeal to OâShea for a number of reasons, not least the fact that a move to the Gunners might jeopardise the affection in which Manchester United fans hold him after a decade at the club. Thereâs also the fact that his first-team chances might be more limited and the fact that Arsenal have a policy of offering only short-term, usually one-year contracts, to anyone over 30. Placed against that is the fact that OâShea would virtually be guaranteed a start in every Sunderland game next season, plus he has a great admiration both for former Manchester United captain Bruce and former Republic of Ireland star Niall Quinn. As things stand this weekend, Sunderland are very much in pole position. And if talks do conclude successfully with Sunderland, Bruce will be even more delighted that he has been at the end of a week which saw five new arrivals. At a stroke, the 6ft 3ins defender would solve some of the issues Sunderland have in terms of height and physical presence in the side. He would instantly be the most versatile player at the Stadium of Light â the value of which cannot be underestimated when injuries start to kick in. And after a decade at Old Trafford he could bring invaluable experience and composure to a squad which last season had the youngest average age in the Premier League. Of the three Manchester United players linked with Sunderland, it is OâShea who can offer the most to the Black Cats.
I nope so, i wasn't arsed initially, but his versatility would be a quite enormous asset for us, and 10 years at United is all you need to know about his capabilities.
Whats the source? Quite happy if this comes off. Don't really want Brown, he's ****ed now and a total waste of a first team spot.
Great signing for a club that finished 10th though surely mate? If he's good enough for United, then he's gotta be a wonderful asset to us?
Im not really a fan and always presumed his versatility was down to he hasnt got a clue what best position was himself as he is ****e at all.
Is he being ironic do you think? The ability to play anywhere is one of his strengths, something we'll need if (when) injuries kick in. Reckon he could very well turn out to be one of the best buys for us this season.
He will be an excellent signing for us. Would get into most teams in the league - Arsenal being rumoured to be interested in him doesnt surprise me.
I honestly dont rate him but if he pulls on the red and white i will support him no matter what. Darren Williams was versatile but it didnt make him a good player. I am intrigued to see were he would be played. Would he honestly dislodge Bramble and Turner if he was put as CB (i think there is better CB out there) or if he was put as LB would that mean Bardo gets dropped if we go and sign Hutton like rumoured?
Will be a good signing IMO with his ability to play in quite a few position's. Wonder were Brucie will play him when everyone is fit though, right back I would imagine
I think it's a tad unfair to compare Darren Williams to John O'Shea! Is he a world beater? No, but a very solid player who SAF had no hesitation in playing at any position in the Man U back for over the past 10 years. He will also add valuable experience to a very young squad. I honestly think Turner is the one under pressure. Thought he was poor when he returned last season, although he was returning from bad injury and into a team with no confidence.
I wasnt comparing them as players (im not that stupid) as that would be like comparing Gareth Hall to virtually anyone. The point i was making was just because he is versatile doesnt mean he is the be all and end all. Fair enough, i dont watch him every week but what i have seen (mostly on champions league games) i havent rated. I just think if he is going to be played as a CB surely for 5 mill there is better out there?
Yep I must admit I am baffled with that one... although I would hope he was comparing their versatility rather than talent!
I agree Tina was woeful, but i think it was a knock on from the injury. He'll be alright next year, and might notch a few goals now that we have someone who can get the ball airbourne from set plays!
