SUNDERLAND have asked Manchester City to name their price on England winger Shaun-Wright Phillips. Steve Bruce has made an enquiry about the England international and is now weighing up whether it is worth his while to bring in the Manchester City flier, who would add elusive width and pace to his Black Cats mix. The Journal understands other players are in the frame as Bruce looks to recruit another wide man and he would ideally like to bring in someone who is naturally left-footed. However, Wright-Phillips is a definite target, as his agent Wayne Lindsay confirmed. He said: “There has been an enquiry from Sunderland about Shaun. “There is no secret that Manchester City are prepared to let him go if an offer came in and it was the right offer so I would guess it is now up to Sunderland whether to follow up that initial interest.” It is understood the Black Cats would prefer a loan move but they are considering making a permanent bid too – if the price is not too prohibitive. There may also be an issue with the England winger’s wage demands, which may be above the ceiling Sunderland have imposed. They would not, for example, stretch to the £60,000-a-week that Charles N’Zogbia managed to secure for switching to Aston Villa. Lindsay believes a permanent move is more likely for his client this close season. He added: “Manchester City would prefer him to move out permanently. “I cannot speak for Shaun and say he would be interested in a move or that he would not be interested. “If Sunderland meet the asking price, then it will be entirely down to him.” I am not sure what to think about this deal if it comes off of course. SWP is a right midfielder and we have already signed Larsson and Elmohamady this transfer window. I know Larsson played left midfield at Hartlepool but he is not the answer for that position and if SWP comes in we would still need a lefty. The lad would be an improvement on what we have so if he comes I will be happy but still disapointing if we are going to play people out of position to fill the left wing role.
Say's it all really. Cracking player, but not at any price, would be happy if we could sort this one out. Cheaper.
Allan Johnson was a right footed left winger who formed part of a devastating combination with Summerbee in the 90's. I think SWP on one flank and Larsson on the other will be a good combination if not as dynamic. SWP has bags of experience and pace and a few tricks to his game. With the little wizard himself Sessegnon, we are starting to look a very tricky team and not just the one trick pony which we were under Judas for a lot of the time. I still dont rule out Bellamy coming as well.
Argh this story just wont go away i've never really rated swp, yeah he's quick but with no end product - we already have elmo for that! At least elmo is still young and can improve, swp will be 30 in a couple months! Soon his pace will fade and he'll be worthless. Really hope we don't waste any money on him, prefer larsson.
Trouble is, Man City screw deals up by overpaying on fees and wages. SWP is good, but he's looking at a pay cut wherever he goes and how much less will he accept to come here?
Should we waste £4/5 million on a stop gap for the left wing or should we not just save it for when we do actually find one. We all want the perfect team but in reality it just wont happen, so I would be more than happy to start the season as we are and just add quality such as the right man for the left wing in the January/Summer 2012 transfer windows.
