GUS POYET will be happy with Sunderlandâs transfer business if the Black Cats can address three key areas before the end of the window. Winger Will Buckley became the seventh arrival of the summer at the Stadium of Light this week after joining in a £2.5million move from Brighton. But Sunderland are still looking for further recruits to boost a squad which lost the services of 12 players at the end of last season. Liverpool striker Fabio Borini remains Sunderlandâs main target, with Poyet declaring yesterday that it wasnât a lack of commitment to joining the Black Cats which was delaying the Italianâs return to Wearside. But Poyet is also keen to boost his options in defence and central midfield. Despite reports, the Echo understands that Sunderland are NOT interested in Manchester Cityâs Micah Richards, who has been offered to several Premier League clubs - including Newcastle - this summer. Sunderland are also having to look at fresh targets in midfield after a loan move for Man Cityâs Bruno Zuculini fell through due to Premier League rules. Zuculini, who arrived in a £3m deal from Argentine side Racing Club this summer, is not able to join a Premier League club and then immediately move to another on loan - due to Financial Fair Play legislation - and is now heading to La Liga outfit Deportivo La Coruna. But while Poyet is wary of putting a specific figure on how many more signings he is still looking for, he admitted he would be content if those inside forward, midfield and defensive areas were strengthened. He told the Echo: âIâd be happy if we got those three players, depending on who they are of course. Itâs difficult to put a number on it. âBut we need someone at the back. It will depend what itâs going to be (a centre-back or a full-back). âPeople naturally think that Santi (Vergini) is more of a centre-back than a full-back. He could be either. âWe need that (Borini) option - someone bringing in goals and working up and down. âAnd weâre missing someone in midfield. We were very close to someone. I think the number (of our squad) is going to be about 23.â Poyet admits the capture of seven players in time for todayâs top flight opener at West Brom has softened the blow of waiting to sign Borini - more than four weeks after Sunderlandâs £14m bid was accepted by Liverpool. But the head coach was at pains to point out that the delay has nothing to do with Borini not being keen to return Sunderland after last seasonâs successful loan spell. There have been suggestions that a second loan deal could be a resolution to Sunderlandâs pursuit and the Echo understands that is a possibility. âIf I didnât have the other seven players, then I would be devastated (over Borini),â said Poyet. âBut slowly, we have got there. âIâve got options for today. For the season, no. It would be very dangerous to finish the transfer window as we are now. âThatâs the situation weâre working towards now; to make sure weâve got a balanced squad.â He added: âItâs not like Borini doesnât want to come and weâre trying to convince him. âI talked to Fabio and that is not the case. Itâs about doing it at the right time. âHeâs come back to fitness and training with the (Liverpool) team. So he wouldnât be fit for today anyway. So calm, please!â
I think that the Borini situation means that we will wait until last minute before spending because £14m is a massive outlay.
I agree, so far so good but we're way too light, can't discount a relegation battle until we get a little bit more quality in, especially midfield and Central defence assuming we're not going to get 38 games out of Roders and Wes.
Let's just forget about the Borini deal for now until it's confirmed. We now know that the delay is down to the agent/owners tangled web of red tape which has always been the case with his past moves. If he didn't want to be here Poyet would know by now and we would have moved on. Poyet is being very professional and astute about the whole thing and I trust that. Gus will get his players and don't forget, there will also be shed loads of players being released by clubs at the last minute and we all know why, so I do believe he will get his team, including maybe a last minute surprise or two. ....it's just the waiting that's doing my bonce in
My dream players from the three he says he wants (other than Borirni) would be, Rodriguez and Richards.......but that is just a pipe dream !
Perhaps the deal is in place but why sign him and pay £50k a week to be in the physic room. In two weeks when fit it will be 6 x £50k. His shoulder kept him out a long time in his 1st season at Anfield, let the Scousers pay him, they took him to the States and got him crocked. He'll be here by the close of the window. (if fit)
But isnt he emphasising the fact that we are desperate for signings? Wont statements like this put the prices up of any transfers??? It reminds me of when Niall Quinn used to let it be known that we had money to spend!!! 'Shhh Niall!!!!!' I just wish we would keep our cards close to our chest when it comes to funds and targets!!!
