Cats boss is setting sights on Chamakh

Jul 22 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND are closing in on Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh after withdrawing from the race to sign England striker Peter Crouch – and the club could yet rekindle their interest in Darren Bent.

Sunderland announced that their pursuit of Crouch had ended after being told that the forward would prefer to remain in the South of England – a decision undoubtedly influenced by Harry Redknapp’s very public courtship of the player.

Boss Steve Bruce admitted Crouch’s decision was "disappointing" but the Black Cats did not want to wait indefinitely for the player to make his mind up, especially after his agent indicated to Sunderland yesterday morning that Tottenham was his preferred destination.

And their dismay at losing out on the England striker has been mitigated by the knowledge that they did everything they could to sign him – including offering him a financial package which far outstripped those tabled by both Spurs or fellow suitors Fulham.

Sunderland were offering Crouch a weekly wage of around £80,000 and a four-year contract – much more than the £65,000 that Spurs are prepared to give the England forward.

But the lure of playing under Redknapp, who has made a habit of frustrating Sunderland’s efforts to sign new players over recent seasons, has proved too tempting for Crouch. Now Sunderland are ready to tie up a deal for 25-year-old Bordeaux hit-man Chamakh – and resume talks with Tottenham forward Bent.

In the end it was location and not Bruce’s vision that was the key factor for Crouch, who has never played further north than Liverpool since he began his career as an apprentice at Tottenham.

His agent Jonathan Barnett had told The Journal on Monday night that Crouch had been seriously impressed by Sunderland’s plans for the future – but admitted that his desire to stay near London could swing the deal. And so it proved – to the obvious disappointment of the Wearsiders.

"Naturally this is hugely disappointing for us as Peter was one of our primary targets," Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said.