Campbell in but Cats’ Lee bid foiled

Jul 11 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

"It is not usually our style to discuss incoming or outgoing transfers until they are completed, but we have made an exception in this case because I feel so strongly about wanting to keep hold of Lee, along with all my best players.

"He is currently on a well-earned break after his efforts with the under-21s in the summer and will be reporting back to training next week.

"I am looking forward to working with him. He is one of many talented players we have here and I intend to keep hold of all our best players. Let’s forget about this now and move on."

The Black Cats can at least be comforted by the knowledge that they have made a breakthrough in the transfer market – and for a lower price than some of their rivals were willing to pay.

Sunderland have offered United £5.5m for striker Campbell but a chunk of that fee will only be paid if the Manchester United Academy graduate is successful in a red and white shirt over the coming seasons.

Although the initial down payment was less than Hull offered, United’s decision to agree to it is based on Campbell’s strong desire to move to Wearside.

There are still some formalities to be completed before the Black Cats unveil Campbell on a four-year deal next week, but Sunderland’s confidence that they have got their man is justified.

Sir Alex Ferguson rang Phil Brown on Friday morning to inform him that Campbell had opted for the apparently upwardly mobile Wearsiders over his Tigers.

And South-Shield born Brown admitted that he was "disappointed" not to have got his man.

"I’m disappointed but I was always nervous about the deal because of the way it was dragging along," he said. "But things happen for a reason and as far as Hull City are concerned, the only ones I’m interested in getting through the door are players who want to play for the club."