Wijnaldum has been linked with a move to Sunderland, following reported interest from Newcastle and Liverpool. View image | gettyimages.com As reported by Dutch media outlet SoccerNews, Sunderland are preparing an offer for PSV captain Georginio Wijnaldum, with Dick Advocaat said to be a big fan of the talented midfielder. The 24-year-old, who captained PSV to the Eredivisie title last season, has a contract until 2018, but he is not expected to see through the deal, and a summer exit is expected. He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with the Chroniclereporting interest from Sunderland’s North East rivals Newcastle, and the Metro claiming that Liverpool are keen on him. However, they have yet to submit offers, and the only club to have made a formal approach for Wijnaldum is Russian club Zenit, who, as per the same SoccerNews report, have had an approach for him turned down. Yet this has not deterred Sunderland, who are preparing an offer for Wijnaludm. There are no indications in that report as to how much the Black Cats are willing to pay for his services, but a separate SoccerNews article indicates that PSV have placed a £14.3 million asking price on his head. That is a high price to pay, but for Wijnaldum, who has proven himself over the last years, there is no denying that he would be worth it. SEE ALSO: Agent makes comments on Italian star which will please Sunderland fans Last season, as PSV stormed to the Eredivise title, Wijnaldum made 33 league appearances, netting 14 goals and registering three assists from his attacking midfield position. He registered 2.5 shots per game, as well as 1.2 key passes and 1.9 completed dribbles, acting as the main playmaker in the PSV midfield. Sunderland need to improve their attacking efficiency ahead of next season, and signing a player of Wijnaldum's talents would be considered a real coup for the Wearside club.
After the brilliant news that Dick Advocaat would continue at Sunderland Football Club, transfer news has been quiet. Sunderland fans are used to every transfer window being make or break, normally as we have a new manager to try and restore some pride from the previous managers bad signings and poor league performances. Granted, our league position under Advocaat wasn’t brilliant, but at least we now have a manager in charge who knows exactly what is required to move away from the bottom three and push up higher towards the top 10. It was reported as soon as Advocaat confirmed Premier League safety that he passed on six crucial signings to Lee Congerton in order to improve the quality and bring results from the start of the season, rather than hoping for another run of wins at the climax of the campaign. This week Sunderland have been linked to a number of quality players and we have to hope that Congerton works the same magic that brought Jermain Defoe to the Stadium of Light so that we can attract the players that Advocaat believes can work wonders in a red and white shirt from August onwards. Stewart Downing and Andros Townsend have been linked over the weekend and whilst I still do not fully rate Townsend, due to his selfish play and constant long-range efforts, he would still be a massive improvement to what we have currently on our wings. Interestingly, Downing, who played for Sunderland on loan in 2003, would be a perfect addition after his wonderful season under Sam Allardyce last season for West Ham. Downing, who earned himself an England cap, would bring creativity, excellent service and goals to a team who is crying out for all three of these attributes. According to some reports, we have competition to sign Downing with Middlesbrough, no offence to Boro’ but surely Downing would rather continue his league form for another Premier League outfit. please log in to view this image Could Stewart Downing be on his way back to the North East? (Picture: Getty Images) There has also been rumblings that we have agreed a deal for Loic Remy but the player is yet to decide on where he wants to play next season. This would be a brilliant coup for Congerton and Advocaat but you have to ask how much have Sunderland agreed for Remy if the rumours are true? He would instantly improve our goals scored column and would grab 10 goals or more by playing alongside Defoe. The only real problem, like Sunderland are finding with Carl Jenkinson, is that even though a fee may be agreed, we still struggle to convince London based players to take the chance and move up to the North East. Hopefully with Advocaat having vast experience and respect in the game, this may be enough to convince some big name players like Downing or Remy. Another exciting player who we are bound to see floated around in the next seven days is PSV creative midfielder, and current captain, Georgini Wijnaldum. He played 33 times last season and scored an impressive 14 goals but he could cost up to £15m with other teams such as Liverpool and Zenit chasing his signature too. One thing for certain is that from these players that are linked, Advocaat has identified that we are desperate for attack minded players who can go forward and grab goals as well as creating many over the course of the season. With a joint record of 0-0 draws last season, this has to change and with adventurous players coming to the club we can turn these draws into vital points to climb the league. Whilst we have been linked to a host of attacking players we are also close to securing a £2m deal with Liverpool for Seb Coates after he impressed Advocaat during the final 10 games of the season. Another target, who has been linked for a few seasons, Van Dijk from Celtic, is looking less unlikely with the Champions League being a bigger attraction to the Dutch defender. It is going to be an interesting transfer window and if we manage to secure any of these players listed above we will certainly be in a much stronger position and the fans will look forward to seeing some exciting games and possibly a home record that can boast more than four league victories a season!
I'm liking this window so far. Dick said at the end of the season that the squad wasn't as bad as some are saying and that we need about 4 or 5 players in to give it better balance. He gave Congo six names, sure, but these were options - not a full list of requirements. I expect about four in this summer - but they won't be the usual relegation fodder. What he's looking for is genuine quality. And, given his reputation, the bugger might just get them! I like Dick a lot - especially his brains.
That's the thing though, those 4 or 5 players will be reducing certain first teamers to squad players which is exactly what they should be but they haven't been. The main problem twined with a lack of important attributes which together makes us a mess of relegation squad. We've been filling out with sqaud player long enough, Dick is right, we need players who improve the first team.
BREAKING: BLACK CATS TARGET DOWNING Sunderland are interested in signing West Ham Unitedwinger Stewart Downing, according to Sky sources. Downing, 30, has a contract at Upton Park that runs until the summer of 2017. please log in to view this image
£5m bid turned down apparently according to teesside gazette - £5m for a 31 year old with no sell on - reckon we'll probably look elsewhere - I'd hate to line Gold and Sullivan's pockets anyhow TBH!
Nobody likes it on here because I tell the truth eh Blunham ?, and I have a season card at the S O L by the way 17 out of 18 seasons and want us to win the F A cup and premier league etc. Short has to realise that we are going down with this squad so get 3-4 world class players in, as simple as that. Also everyone is entitled to their opinions.
In other posts you mention vanpersie ffs! I want us to win the premier league but it will never happen period. Ellis Short runs the club as a business. He's not a kid with a toy like the city or Chelsea owners. He's a much more tactile and sensible owner. The sheiks at City and Abramovich are 2 big fish with little care to the money they lose. Both worth a lot more than short. So I'll reiterate what I said when you posted about us signing van Persia... **** OFF
Sunderland weigh up move for Davide Astori as boss Dick Advocaat looks to strengthen his defence Sunderland are pondering a move for Cagliari defender Davide Astori The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Roma and they look set to offer Sunderland some competition to sign him Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat is also interested in Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar and Celtic's Virgil van Dijk please log in to view this image SHARE PICTURE +6 Italy international Davide Astori (right) has emerged as a summer transfer target for Sunderland
Sunderland eye swoop for exciting teenage French striker Sehrou Guirassy http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport...nage-french-striker-sehrou-guirassy-1-7328431
Another prospect for the future. All well and good but I'd be far more excited by some prospects for the present!
Makes me feel old n all. Turned the dreaded Three zero on the 12th. Me n my brother missed the first ever game against Ajax cos me numpty parents booked a caravan holiday at Hagerston Castle. Had me season ticket since 97 now. They should give me free pints when I turn up I reckon.
They should mate. And the big three zero ain't so bad, It was playing on my mind in the run up but once it happened I quick forgot and next thing I knew I was 33
On the transfer front it looks like we are trying to put an over 30's team out. I'd be miffed if we pay £7m for Downing.
