Black Cats closing in on a deal for Dunne

Jun 27 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND hope to make significant progress in their bid for Richard Dunne this weekend as Manchester City close in on a big-money replacement in Joleon Lescott.

The Black Cats are yet to table a formal offer for the Manchester City skipper and are embroiled in a complex game of brinkmanship with the Citizens and Everton, who did not want to lose England defender Lescott.

But The Journal understands that City are confident of making progress on the Lescott deal by the middle of next week – giving Sunderland the green light to formalise their interest in Republic of Ireland defender Dunne.

City have insisted, off-the-record at least, that Sunderland have not made a bid for Dunne, but both the club and the player are aware of new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce’s interest – and a deal could be completed quickly if the Eastlands captain is made available.

That will only happen if City can secure Lescott or another big-name defender to replace their reliable and long-serving centre-back.

A leading football figure in the North West told The Journal that City are “increasingly confident” of brokering a deal for the player – despite Everton’s defiant “not for sale” stance.

Although the Black Cats have other defensive targets, Dunne is at the head of the list and the influence of chairman Niall Quinn would be a key factor in bringing the 29-year-old to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland may edge ahead of rivals Spurs and Stoke in the race for Dunne because the Black Cats are prepared to offer him the long-term contract he is seeking.

And if Dean Whitehead departs the Stadium of Light, Dunne would be a leading candidate to become the Black Cats’ club captain.