Sbragia has tough transfer decisions to make

Dec 30 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

SUNDERLAND'S attacking resources have been boosted by the return of Michael Chopra and Anthony Stokes, but one of Ricky Sbragia’s first tasks as manager will be deciding whether to keep the duo or put them towards the cost of the new defender he wants. The pair are due in training this morning after ending their loans with Cardiff City and Sheffield United respectively, but Chopra is angling for a swift return.

And Preston North End manager Alan Irvine has already made his pitch to buy another on-loan player, Ross Wallace, when the Scot’s season-long loan is reviewed in the new year.

Chopra has scored five goals in 11 appearances, and Wallace has been a regular for the Lilywhites, scoring the equaliser against Barnsley on Sunday. The former has made it known in Cardiff he wishes to have his loan extended, but with the Bluebirds ready to pay Aston Villa for Wayne Routledge, Sbragia will want to either keep the former Newcastle United striker or receive a transfer fee for him.

“Michael Chopra’s loan deal ended on the 29th, so that gives us another body in the squad,” he said. Having commented that strikers Djibril Cissé and Kenwyne Jones “did not have the spark up front” in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Everton, he is either anxious for some competition or playing a game to ramp up Chopra’s price tag.

Sunderland paid £5m to sign the former England Under-21 international from Cardiff 18 months ago and are therefore unlikely to sell him at a huge loss, particularly with the cash going into Sbragia’s transfer pot. Chopra favours a loan, however. “I would love to stay and help Cardiff get promotion,” the 25-year-old told a local newspaper in Wales.

“I have spoken to the chairman (Peter Ridsdale) and manager (Dave Jones) over the last few days and told them I would love to stay at Cardiff. They have told me they will do all they can to make that

happen. I have made my intention known and it is up to the two clubs now.

“I just hope something can be sorted out because I like the way Cardiff play and things are happening here.”

Much as he will welcome the return of his attacking duo, Sbragia’s priority is a new defender, with Manchester City’s Tal Ben Haim high on his wish-list.

Sunday showed his squad’s defensive shortcomings. With Anton Ferdinand ill, Pascal Chimbonda seemingly out of favour and Greg Halford, Michael Liddle and Paul McShane on loan, he fielded Kieran Richardson out of position at left-back.

It prompted Sbragia to say: “We need a couple more players, we are short defensively and that was proved at Everton.

“We are down to about 18 senior players. We have enough to keep us up, but not enough to go to the next level.

“We are looking at the transfer window now.

“We have identified one player we want, and we will be considering bringing in loan players.”

Sbragia worked with Ben Haim at Bolton Wanderers but the Israeli has failed to make an impact since leaving the Reebok Stadium, first for Chelsea, then Manchester City. Ben Haim’s preferred position is centre-half and he can also offer cover at right-back. Preston would like to keep Wallace and the player feels the same. But in common with many of those Sunderland are hoping to offload, wages could be a stumbling block. “Ricky has only just taken over and I am sure he has other matters on his mind at this particular moment,” said Irvine.

“I will obviously ring Ricky and congratulate him on getting the job first and foremost and then find out what his feelings are about Ross’s situation.

“Ross has indicated he is very happy here and would like to stay. But personal terms would have to be agreed.

“We feel we are the third party in all this really. Firstly Sunderland will make a decision, then Ross will have to decide and hopefully both will go in our favour.”