After a quiet close season, the Black Cats pre-season preparations should step up a gear this week with a major announcement scheduled for this morning. And with Martin OâNeill back behind his desk after a short break, several deals that have been in the pipeline for the summer weeks should be moved forward. That includes a free transfer switch for Cuellar, whose Madrid-based agents have been in conversations with Sunderland for several weeks. Although all parties are staying tight-lipped on the move, Cuellar is keen stay in England despite initial interest from Turkey and Spain. The Journal understands that the Black Cats now only have a few loose ends to tie up before clinching a deal for the experienced defender, who can fill in either at centre-back or at left-back. The Black Cats would also like to tie up a deal for two strikers this summer. They maintain an interest in Wolves striker Steven Fletcher but Black Country sources maintain that the Molineux club is looking for around £14m for the Scottish forward. The playerâs Edinburgh-based agent Scott Fisher has held two meetings with Wolves over the last ten days and has already visited Wearside to ascertain whether there is interest from the Black Cats. The message fed back to Fisher was that Sunderland would be interested. However, there is hard bargaining ahead, with Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey already warning prospective buyers that they will not accept cut-price bids for Fletcher. And they believe that Fletcher represents a far better bet than the untested Championship forward. For their part, Sunderland will look to re-invest the cash raised by Asamoah Gyanâs impending sale wisely, with Fletcher just one option being considered. Louis Saha said last week he would be âopenâ to a move to Wearside while The Journal also understands that Ricky van Wolfswinkel, the Dutch international striker who plays for Sporting Lisbon, has been mentioned. Again, price may be an issue â but the forward is understood to be open to a move to England this summer. Sunderland have also run the rule over John Guidetti, who will not be returning to Feyenoord next season. The Manchester City man spent a brief spell on loan with the Eredivisie outfit but the Rotterdam clubâs technical director Martin van Geel said he will not returning next term. Asked about a mooted loan move, van Geel said: âThere is absolutely no truth in it. These are speculations based upon nothing.â [video=youtube;obEQuSFkVyw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obEQuSFkVyw[/video]
Van Wolfswinkel, have we been linked with him before? Although it's not my money, £14m seems a bit steep for Fletcher, but the way the game has gone money mad, who knows.
What a name. Apparently Titus has changed his name by deedpoll to Titus Bearcock so as nt to be outdone. On a serious note can't see us getting him
Ive never heard of the lad Ricky Van Wolfswinkel but he looks canny on the video bet it will cost a few quid to get his name on ya shirt its exciting times for us this new sponsorship could mean alot of money for MoN to spend.
Anyone else think we will see a couple of Africans arrive in the next 12months? Two lads from Senegal wer linked a few days ago and wouldn't mind Taiwo, Tienne or M'Bengue at left back. Apparently the pace machine Doumbia is out of contract as well! Probs out of our league at the min
That Van Wolfswinkel Vid, well, LOL, four goals over two and a half minutes with a **** soundtrack, CRACKIN'
Van Wolfswinkel is a superb striker, was a real surprise that he ended up in Portugal, was quite a coup for Sporting. He's a strong lad and good in the air, be a smashing signing.
Van Wolfswinkel If we get him I actually think we can catch the likes of everton,liverpool,newcastle and spurs...
Have to agree there mate. If thats the price whos cares as long as whoever MoN finally gets he MUST do the job of 12/15 min!
