Cats boss sees way to bring in funds

Nov 26 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

ROY Keane is considering trying to offload Greg Halford six months before his loan deal at Sheffield United expires as he considers ways to raise funds for the January transfer window.

The Black Cats boss is unlikely to find fresh funds sanctioned by the club’s board unless he manages to offset the expenditure by selling more players – but with Pascal Chimbonda apparently digging his heels in over a January move, his options look limited.

Keane has insisted that the French defender has a chance to resurrect his Sunderland career if he remedies the disciplinary problems that have dogged him since his summer transfer but The Journal understands Chimbonda has been told he can leave if he can find a new club.

His agent Willy McKay says a move is a “possibility” but insists his client remains happy at Sunderland despite his lack of first team opportunities – presenting a problem for Keane, who is already wrestling with the Black Cats’ frustrating inconsistency and the first murmurs of discontent since he took over at the Stadium of Light.

A January reshuffle is a possible way of shaking things up and if Keane decides on that route a permanent deal for Halford – on loan with striker Anthony Stokes at Sheffield United – is one of few avenues open to the Black Cats boss.

Dwight Yorke is another player being touted for a January departure but despite being a peripheral figure since signing a year-long extension, The Journal understands he will see out the season before assessing his options.

Graham Kavanagh is also out on loan, and his form has been

impressive enough at Carlisle to raise the possibility of a permanent deal. But the Cumbrians may struggle to match the Premier League wages that he commands.

That leaves Halford, who would be sorely tempted to leave Sunderland if he got the chance. In an interview given over the weekend he suggested that manager Kevin Blackwell afforded him ‘respect’ and the opportunity to rebuild his reputation after his disappointing performances on Wearside.

“It's really nice to be playing regular football again. That is all I want to do and it is nice to come into training with a smile on my face again,” he said.

Keane watched Sheffield United host Wolves last night, with Halford playing in the Blades’ 3-1 loss.

His ideal scenario would be for Lyon to follow up their interest in Chimbonda, who is on Gerard Houllier’s shortlist of January targets after injuries ravaged his squad.

But the French champions are only interested in a loan deal, and that would not appear to suit either party. Additionally, his agent is convinced that the player will remain in England’s top flight.

“Anything’s a possibility in football, but there’s been no contact from Lyon,” McKay said. “He’s quite happy at Sunderland to tell you the truth. I believe he’ll stay in the Premier League.”