Settled Calum Davenport wants to stay with Black Cats

Apr 23 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CALUM Davenport wants to become Sunderland’s first signing of the summer.

The on-loan defender had to wait the best part of three months before finally making his Black Cats debut in the Manchester United defeat, but has impressed with a couple of collected performances since.

He will retain his place alongside Anton Ferdinand as Sunderland look to consolidate their top flight status with victory at West Brom this weekend – and has one eye on consolidating his own position in the Black Cats pack.

Davenport’s career will reach a crossroads this summer and he is almost certain to leave financially-stricken West Ham, who had attempted to broker a permanent deal for him in January.

As it eventually turned out, no clubs were willing to meet their £2m valuation and Sunderland stepped in. Davenport was reduced to substitute appearances for the first months of his loan period but his patience and exemplary attitude since joining the Black Cats has impressed boss Ricky Sbragia and chairman Niall Quinn.

Nothing has been communicated to Davenport about a permanent move yet, however, he has indicated his desire to stay at a club he believes is “fantastic”.

But if they do make a move Sunderland can expect competition from Premier League new-boys Wolves, who were tracking the defender in the January transfer window. Mick McCarthy has a sizeable transfer budget to work with and Davenport’s top-flight experience would appeal to the former Sunderland boss.

Davenport now wants to help Sunderland win their survival fight before beginning discussions on his future.

“Since I’ve been up here I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.