SUNDERLAND have been served warning that disposing of unwanted squad members could prove difficult after pricing Anthony Stokes out of joining Hibernian.
Phase two of the Black Cats’ clear-out got under way yesterday with official confirmation of Michael Chopra’s departure to Cardiff City. But Sunderland’s refusal to let Stokes return to the Scottish Premier League on another loan has scared off a club who rate the Republic of Ireland international highly but can not get close to matching his wages.
It could become something of a theme as manager Steve Bruce’s attempts to prune his squad are hindered by the generous wage policy of the Drumaville era.
Hibernian had been the leading contenders to sign Stokes, but they are resigned to not doing so after being told the Black Cats will only entertain a permanent move for a forward whose contract runs until 2011.
Crystal Palace and Sheffield United both borrowed Stokes last term and Sunderland would rather cut ties permanently than prolong the uncertainty with yet another loan.
With Ellis Short now completely owning the Wearside club, Bruce is under no financial pressure to move on a player whose off-field indiscipline has prevented him from fulfilling his potential. But, having worked with tight-knit groups of players out of necessity at most of his previous clubs, Bruce is anxious not to saddle himself with a bloated squad.
Dwight Yorke, David Connolly, Peter Hartley, Darren Ward, Arnau Caldentey Riera, Nick Colgan and Niall McArdle were all released at the end of last season and Chopra departed yesterday when his loan to Cardiff City officially became permanent. The Bluebirds will
reportedly pay an initial £500,000 for the former Newcastle striker, plus up to £2.5m in instalments.
Having this week received £3m from the sale of Steven Fletcher to Burnley, Hibs could easily afford to pay Stokes’ transfer fee.
What has put off John Hughes – Falkirk’s manager when Stokes enjoyed his only consistent run of first-team football there and responded with 16 goals in 18 appearances – is Stokes’ wages, reportedly in the region of £14,000 a week.
Stokes came through Arsenal’s youth system, earning a £2m move to Sunderland in January 2007 with his prolific form on loan at Falkirk. But he has never been more than a peripheral figure at the Stadium of Light, flitting between attacking positions with a net result of just five goals in 38 appearances, 22 as substitute.
One player who could prove easier to move on is Dean Whitehead – and the midfielder will certainly receive a glowing reference from Liam Lawrence if Tony Pulis asks his winger what he thinks of being reunited with his ex-captain at Stoke City. “I think it would be a good signing,” Lawrence said of the Potters’ reported interest.
Meanwhile, Fraizer Campbell’s father and agent has suggested Hull City rather than Sunderland are favourites to sign the 21-year-old striker. The Tigers agreed a £6m fee with Manchester United for Campbell on June 6 but, according to Keith Campbell, the procrastination is down to the Red Devils rather than any reluctance on his son’s part – not that either Campbell is in any great rush. The sticking point is believed to be over severance pay.
Campbell senior said: “I have spoken to (Hull chairman) Paul Duffen and (manager) Phil Brown, and they are the only two people I have spoken to.
“It is purely and simply down to Manchester United, when they sort themselves out then it is fine. There are no deadlines at all.”
SUNDERLAND’S reserves will play a pre-season friendly against Kildare County on July 29 as part of their ‘Festival Of Football’. Kildare are bottom of the Irish first division.
