Will mystery man be Cats’ whiskers?
May 28 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
Unlike many tycoons, Ellis Short is a man who revels in anonymity. Stuart Rayner delves into the background of Sunderland’s new owner
Ellis Short's shopping list
SUNDERLAND’S estimated £60m transfer kitty should be enough to transform their squad beyond all recognition. Mark Douglas looks at what Ellis Short’s cash will buy the Black Cats this summer.
DARREN BENT (Spurs) – £10m
DJIBRIL Cissé’s departure clears the way for Sunderland to renew their interest in the England striker, who they tried to get during the January transfer window. Seventeen goals last season speaks volumes for his pedigree, and Harry Redknapp would let him go.
TUNÇAY (Middlesbrough) – £8m
GARETH Southgate admitted the Turkey forward will have to be sold after Boro dropped into the Championship, and a quick hop across the River Tees would suit him. All the ability in the world, but only hit the net eight times last season. Besiktas are also interested.
PETER CROUCH (Portsmouth) – £7m
ANOTHER striker who was prolific in a low-scoring team last season. England international who may fancy a change of scenery after Portsmouth’s ambition receded as the credit crunch worsened. Chances of signing Crouch (pictured below left) would recede with any big money takeover at Pompey, however.
CARLTON COLE (West Ham) – £10m
THE Hammers are in such dire financial straits that they will need to sell again this summer and Cole, after breaking into the England team, is their most saleable asset. Works hard enough – would he gel with Kenwyne Jones though?
PAUL SCHARNER (Wigan Athletic) – £3m
LONG-TERM Black Cats target looks set to leave Wigan this summer. Consistent and certainly a better addition than former Latics team-mate Pascal Chimbonda. The chances of him turning up at the Stadium of Light would be greatly enhanced by Steve Bruce taking over.
BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (Bayern) – £8m
A bit out of left-field but Sunderland’s ‘big name’ new manager should be someone who asserts pull on an international level. The Germany midfielder was blasted by boss Uli Hoeness the other week for not pulling his weight as Bayern surrendered the title – maybe a move to England might re-invigorate his career?
BREDE HANGELAND (Fulham) – £4m
MUCH-COVETED defender is a target of most of the big boys but they might be a bit wary about splashing out big cash on a player without a huge amount of Premier League experience. Sunderland could take the Norway defender.
