Cats are still after duo

Jul 13 2009 By The Journal

SUNDERLAND will press ahead in their attempts to sign Peter Crouch and Lee Cattermole, despite having bids for both turned down.

Totemic England striker Crouch has been targeted as the "impact" signing chairman Niall Quinn is eager to land as a demonstration of the Black Cats’ enhanced financial muscle.

Cattermole was a key figure in Steve Bruce’s Wigan Athletic team last term, and one he is eager to be reunited with. Portsmouth rebuffed an opening Sunderland bid of £11m for Crouch, while Wigan issued another "hands-off" warning after turning down £5m for Teessider Cattermole. However, the Wearsiders are now prepared to pay £15m and £6m respectively.

Sunderland have bought striker Fraizer

Campbell from Manchester United at the weekend for a fee which could rise to £5.5m – but it will not stop Bruce trying to add to his stable of centre- forwards this summer.

Bruce’s successor at Wigan, Roberto Martinez, told anyone who would listen last week Cattermole was not for sale, but £6m would represent a healthy profit on the £3.5m Bruce paid Middlesbrough for the combative England Under-21 international a year ago. With his inside knowledge, he seems confident they can be made to change their minds.