Cats are still after duo

Jul 13 2009 By The Journal

Campbell had been expected to join Hull City. The 21-year-old Yorkshireman had a loan at the KC Stadium in 2007-08 and the Tigers agreed a fee for him shortly after the end of the last campaign.

However, Campbell says his gut feeling told him to choose Wearside over Humberside.

"The facilities here are excellent," he told his new club’s official website. "I had a chat with a few people behind the scenes and everything looks good.

"Sunderland are an ambitious club who are looking to go forward, with the financial backing they have here now. I know they are looking to bring in quality, alongside some very good existing players. It was an easy decision to make in the end.

"Sunderland are a massive club with great ambition and I have a really good gut feeling about this move."

The Black Cats are still keen on Manchester City captain Richard Dunne but, with the mega-rich Mancunians delaying a transfer until they can prise a replacement, Sunderland are lining up alternatives, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson and Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos both under consideration. The Swiss defender spent last season on loan at AC Milan, but is not expected to return.

Bruce is also waiting to hear back from free agent Paulo Da Silva. He has offered the Paraguay international a three-year contract but, a week after Da Silva announced he was joining in an English club, he is yet to give the Black Cats an answer with Spurs trying to muscle in on the deal.

Aston Villa may also try to compete for Darren Bent, who the Wearsiders were given permission to talk to the week before last. Sunderland are anxious not to let their squad become bloated, and central defender Nyron Nosworthy could be moved on, with Stoke City interested.

Tony Pulis was the Gillingham manager who gave Nosworthy his league debut and is looking to sign a centre-back and a right-back.

Right-back Phil Bardsley is determined not to be part of any clear- out, however.

The former Manchester United trainee has been linked with a number of clubs despite having been one of Sunderland’s most determined and impressive performers last term. Bardsley has no interest in leaving, however.

"A lot of people will be looking at us this season," he said. "We have a new manager, we are the only North East team in the division and it is a massive challenge for us all. I am sure it is one the manager, the staff, the players and everyone here will be relishing."