Cats deal for Bent in danger of collapse

Jul 30 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

That deal now hangs in the balance as a result of Villa and Hull’s late attempt to hijack the transfer.

Sunderland’s main rival would appear to be Villa. Martin O’Neill can offer European football in the Europa League next season, as well as a potential challenge for a Champions League place.

However, given the fact Sunderland were willing to pay Crouch £80,000 a week, it is thought they are able to offer better terms than Villa, which may yet swing things back in their favour.

To further add to the confusion regarding Bent’s situation, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp yesterday admitted he was in the dark as far as the forward’s destination was concerned.

“I have no idea,” he said after watching his side beat West Ham 1-0 in the Asia Cup in China. “I haven’t spoke to the chairman for two days so I don’t know where we are with that deal with Sunderland.

“When we came away it was very close but I have not heard any more.”

There was more bad news on the transfer front for Sunderland yesterday from France, where Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has ridiculed the Wearsiders’ attempt to sign Marouane Chamakh.

The Moroccan striker, a confirmed target for Bruce, has said he is willing to sign for Sunderland, but his manager does not think they are a big enough club to lure him to the Premier League and he is actively trying to derail the deal.

The former Manchester United defender said: “I am going to do everything to make sure he does not go to just any club. With him, things are clear. After the season he’s had, if he has to go, it will be to a big club. That’s why I am standing in the way of a departure to Sunderland.

“I am not going to change what I said to him at the start of the year. If an offer comes from a big club, I will not stand in the way. The door is half-open.”

Meanwhile, Bruce will at least be able to welcome two new arrivals on to the training pitch as England Under-21 international striker Fraizer Campbell and Albanian midfielder Lorik Cana will take part in their first Sunderland work-out this morning.