Pdc wants more pt II

PAOLO Di Canio wants two full-backs and a midfield playmaker to complete his summer spending spree.


The Sunderland head coach has already added eight signings to his new-look squad, yet he is eager to take that tally into double figures with more than a month remaining of the transfer window.

With Phil Bardsley out of the frame and thought to be heading to Fulham, Di Canio remains without any specialist full-backs to call upon, with neither Danny Rose nor Gino Peruzzi now likely to join Sunderland.

As the Gazette revealed online yesterday, Andre Villas-Boas has ruled out Rose returning to the Stadium of Light after last season’s successful loan spree, while Di Canio claimed yesterday that there was “no chance” of Peruzzi joining Sunderland, following problems with his medical.

Sunderland will continue with their efforts to fill both voids, yet Di Canio has also revealed he is on the look-out for a creator in the middle of the park to become the linchpin of the side.

That will still be the case even if midfielder Alfred N’Diaye remains at the Stadium of Light, with Eskiehirspor hoping to take the January signing back to Turkey.

Di Canio told the Gazette: “We need two full-backs to challenge for places and one central midfield player.

“We don’t know what will happen with Alfred yet. There is a process.

“But even if he doesn’t leave, in my opinion we need a specific player with specific characteristics in there.

“In the way I want to play, I want someone in the middle who can play with Cabral, Seb (Larsson) or even Alfred.

“Someone who brings the keys to the house - an intelligent player with fantastic ability.

“The board knows we are working for two full-backs too. That doesn’t mean they will play regular football, but we need the cover to create the competition.”

Villas-Boas’ statement on Rose was predictable, with Sunderland given no encouragement this summer in their hopes of re-signing last season’s Young Player of the Year.

“It is one of those cases where a loan has worked out extremely well for him and he will definitely be part of our squad this season,” said the Spurs boss.

But the collapse of Peruzzi’s £3m switch from Velez Sarsfeld is far more of a blow.

Velez issued a statement on Monday suggesting Peruzzi would join Sunderland next week after undergoing a second medical with the Black Cats, in Italy.

But Di Canio countered that notion here in Hong Kong yesterday by declaring that Sunderland couldn’t afford to take a chance on an injured player.

It is understood that there is a slight chance that the deal could be resurrected if Sunderland’s medical concerns are addressed.

Yet the Sunderland boss was relatively unequivocal in his stance over Peruzzi when asked directly about the 22-year-old.

“At the moment, there is no chance for Gino Peruzzi to join us,” said Di Canio.

“My club is not a club that can sign players with some problems.

“We are not Manchester City who can think about buying a talented player with an injury and wait for him.

“We are not very late (in the transfer window) but I would like a player ready to join the rest of the group, because the process of integration is not just physical.”

 

We don't have any full backs though, so if we get a specialist they should be thrown straight in.

 

Says to me he is happy with Fletcher, Altidore, Sess, Ji and Wickham as a forward line...

 

Sounds like colback will be staying put, rb, roberge lb

Aye

 

“In the way I want to play, I want someone in the middle who can play with Cabral, Seb (Larsson) or even Alfred.

Looks like it's all over for Catts. Would have been the perfect bench player in my view and some insurance in case the new signings couldn't get it done. I still have no idea what he sees in Seb in CM.

 

Lee Cattermole’s Sunderland career has been plunged into further doubt after it emerged that the club have taken away his favoured squad number – as he trains with the juniors while the first-team squad step up preparations for the new season in Hong Kong.

The Black Cats’ skipper is recovering from a serious knee injury that has ruled him out since March, but his absence from the Barclays Asia Trophy also coincides with the club making it clear to him that he can leave if a suitable offer is made for him.

And news that he will not be playing in the number six shirt that he has been wearing since 2010 adds to the feeling that he is being edged out of contention by Paolo Di Canio. It is understood that the decision was made without consulting the player.

 

Saw that article too. PDC's own words hammered it home. I'll be very interested to see who the replacement CM will be.

 

Pirlo

 

Zidane's only 41!

 

Does this mean he puts Seb before Alfie!?

 

Nah! Divvent need headbutters at the club.

Felliani would do if pirlo doesnt fancy it

 

"Nah! Divvent need headbutters at the club.
Felliani would do if pirlo doesnt fancy it"

Haha - I'm sure Iniesta wouldn't be missed if we abducted him, wiped his memory and gave him a new name and passport.

Thanks for the kind rep btw

 

Yw, aye we could just call him smith, no first or last name just smith

 

Completely agree with PDC, we have enough upfront and wings its full backs and CM.

I wouldnt rule out a random loan signing though just to boost numbers (Guidetti or Vydra).