The old game of deadline day bluff and counter-bluff

Aug 31 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Chris Hughton and Steve Bruce are relatively happy with their transfer business this summer, but both will be hoping the final piece in the jigsaw falls into place today. Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards reports

Newcastle may also complete the loan signing of Manchester City’s promising defender Greg Cunningham as cover for the only specialist left-back at the club, Jose Enrique.

However, reports linking them with an £8m move for Utrecht’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel are fanciful at best given the size of the fee involved and the severe financial constraints Hughton is working with. Stranger things have happened in the past, but it would be a major shock if he did land today.

At Sunderland, Bruce has had a frantic finale in the transfer window and his pursuit of Gyan looked as though it was heading in the right direction last night. The Wearsiders have been talking to French club Rennes all weekend and are believed to have reached an agreement over the size of the fee, although personal terms still have to be thrashed out with the player. Bruce is taking nothing for granted at this stage and he will only believe the deal is done when the contracts have been signed and sent off to the FA for ratification.

The Black Cats boss has also been trying to get Charles N’Zogbia from Wigan since the former Newcastle player turned down a move to Birmingham City last week. The Midlanders had an offer of more than £9m accepted for the French midfielder, but Sunderland are unwilling to pay anything like that much.

The only hope would appear to be a late change of heart from owner Ellis Short and a cash up front offer, which would give Wigan the opportunity to sign a replacement – but that has not materialised so far and time, as every manager knows, is running out fast.

If Gyan signs, N’Zogbia may have to rebuild some bridges at Wigan and hope Sunderland return for him in January when the window re-opens for business.