Cats target Danny Shittu is unhappy at Wanderers

Jan 21 2009 by Stephen Brown, The Journal

SUNDERLAND’S hopes of easing their injury woes with a first signing of the January transfer window have been heartened after defensive target Danny Shittu revealed his discontent at Bolton Wanderers.

But any chance the Black Cats stand of landing the Nigerian international, most likely on loan until the end of the season, depends on their willingness to finance the majority or all of his £20,000-a-week wages.

Furthermore, Ricky Sbragia may be forced to wait on any news of the 28-year-old’s future after, The Journal understands, he was also offered to Newcastle.

Bolton are awaiting a response from United, whose need for full-backs rather than a centre-back is more pressing, leaving Sunderland somewhat in limbo.

But what is clear from Shittu’s stern outburst is a determination to end his short spell at the Reebok Stadium, where manager Gary Megson refuses to hand the defender a regular first-team start. He has just seven appearances to his name since a £2m summer move from Watford.

Although he played in three successive games over the New Year period, he was dropped to the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Manchester United and seems likely to fall

further down the pecking order if Megson pursues his interest in West Ham’s Calum Davenport.

“I am just terribly disappointed,” said Shittu. “I played in the three matches before the Manchester United game and by common opinion I was man of the match in at least two of them, so I don’t really understand.

“The manager told me to be patient and to wait my turn and I think I have done that, but I got my chance and I think I took it.

“Obviously the manager has to manage and team selection is entirely up to him, but I am still just very disappointed because all I want to do is play.

“I am 28 years of age and I feel I am too old and experienced to be sitting on the bench and not be part of it. I want to be playing week in, week out, like every player.

“I feel when I have played for Bolton I have done okay and it was a big blow to be left out against Manchester United.”

Sunderland were linked with Shittu a fortnight ago, but decided against a permanent move at that time.

But with Nyron Nosworthy now ruled out for five weeks with a torn hamstring, the need to bolster their defensive reserves has intensified, despite Danny Collins’ recovery from the concussion he suffered in Saturday’s home defeat by Aston Villa.

While strengthening their back line remains Sbragia’s priority, he would welcome any addition that significantly improves his squad at the right price.

And to that end, having been credited with an interest in Marseille midfielder Modeste M’Bami, the Black Cats boss will be encouraged in any pursuit after the Cameroon international after he expressed his desire to quite the French club and move to either the Premier League or Spain’s Primera Liga.

The 26-year-old – linked in France with Blackburn and Espanyol, as well as Sunderland — has been left frustrated at his lack of opportunities at Marseille and is eager to gain more playing time in order to force his way into Cameroon’s preparations for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

“I am not playing at the moment, so I am not happy,” M’Bami said.

“I want to get involved. I have been linked with many teams. When you are a good player you will always get linked with teams.

“I love Marseille but I need to play as there are World Cup qualifiers soon and I want to be involved. The Premier League and the Primera Liga appeal to any player, so I don’t really mind where I go.

“I just want to play. I love Marseille but I need to play.”