Kenwyne Jones may go if Sunderland get relegated

May 20 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Publicly at least, Jones is not concerning himself with thoughts of anything beyond Sunday. “It is more or less going out trying to enjoy myself, trying to get some goals, keep the club up and see what happens,” he said.

“Tottenham have been linked with me quite strongly for month upon month. I can’t say I know what is going on there or whether it is just paper talk. I can only focus on the job I have now. Hopefully I can at least do a job until the end of the season and look forward to next season.”

That job looked like it could have been completed on Monday, when Jones put Sunderland ahead at Portsmouth. However, the lead was relinquished and Pompey went on to record a 3-1 win.

“When we got the goal we were obviously looking to at least get something from the game,” he said.

“Hopefully we will be able to put that right and at least get something in the next game. It is going to be hard. But every day we have to do what we need to do to try and get that point to secure safety. It is imperative we do that.”

A draw would be irrelevant to Sunderland’s prospects, as it could not save them from relegation on goal difference or goals scored by Newcastle. Meanwhile, one Sunderland transfer target has entered into talks over a new contract, while another is preparing to move on.

Cardiff City striker Ross McCormack is high on a Sunderland summer shopping list containing plenty of British names. But his chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed: “We are in talks with Ross about extending his deal and expect to be able to announce news within the next few weeks.”

Wigan’s versatile player Paul Scharner has long interested the Black Cats and looks set to join the JJB Stadium exodus.

“I feel this summer is the time for me to make the next step in my career,” he told a TV station in his native Austria.