Marton Fulop may leave Sunderland for Manchester City

Apr 27 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

MÁRTON Fülöp could end the season by securing a place in the Champions League for Manchester City as Roberto Mancini looks for an emergency replacement for Shay Given.

Former Newcastle star Given will not play again this season and is set to see two specialists this week to determine the extent of the shoulder injury which saw him stretchered off during last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal in agony.

That has prompted City to ask the Premier League for special dispensation to make an emergency loan of a goalkeeper and Fülöp is their preferred target. Contact has been made with the Black Cats and they are waiting for a decision from the Premier League.

The Journal understands officials will not block the move as City meet the criteria for an emergency loan as they have no cover for Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen, who replaced Given at the weekend. Steve Bruce will do nothing to block the deal; he has fallen out with the Hungary international and has already publicly said he can move on if he wants.

The former Spurs keeper has not even managed to get a place on the bench following Craig Gordon’s return to fitness and

Fulop is set to leave permanently at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Sunderland are hoping on-loan full- back Alan Hutton can avoid a three- match ban following his red card at Hull on Saturday.

A club spokesperson has confirmed they "are appealing the severity of the sanction" following Hutton’s dismissal in the 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.

The defender was embroiled in an altercation with City striker Jozy Altidore at the end of the first half that resulted in referee Lee Probert dismissing both players.

Following a challenge between the duo, Hutton sparked the incident by throwing the ball at Altidore, who responded by headbutting the Scot, causing facial injuries. Hutton is now poised to miss the final two games of this season at home to Manchester United and at Wolves, as well as the first match of next season.

Sunderland, though, are to make representations to the Football Association in the hope of seeing Hutton’s punishment reduced.

Believing the suspensions are disproportionate, manager Steve Bruce said: "The two incidents don’t warrant each other.

"He (Hutton) has thrown the ball at his back. It’s not going to hurt Altidore, he is built like a horse. He might be angry, but to go and headbutt someone . . .

"That was below the belt and Alan is lucky not to be in hospital as he has a cut eye, bust nose and chipped tooth.

"The letter of the law says if you throw a ball at someone it is a red card, it seems strange, but it’s the letter of the law."