Five strikers for Sunderland to think about
Darren Bent appears almost certain to leave Sunderland for Aston Villa this week, even though his reasons for moving remain unclear, so we've tried to help Steve Bruce out by looking at potential replacements for the man who scored 36 goals in 63 starts on Wearside...
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Internet gossip that Sunderland will try to sign Pavlyuchenko is likely inspired more by the fact he is a top-half forward that isn't a guaranteed starter at his club rather than the existence of an enquiry from Steve Bruce to Harry Redknapp. There has been talk of the Russian signing a new Spurs deal.
Tuncay
Sunderland are used to doing business with Stoke as the Potters occasionally give the impression of being a Black Cats tribute act. Perhaps it's time a player move the opposite way, and Tony Pulis has hinted that Tuncay could still leave the Britannia despite the recent improvement in his form.
Jay Bothroyd
Cardiff boss Dave Jones has confirmed that he has rejected an approach for his most prolific attacker and the suspicion of Sky Sports is that Sunderland are the interest party. The Bluebirds manager claims that he has no intention of selling before Bothroyd's contract expires in the summer though.
Carlton Cole
The seven-time England striker is having a disappointing season but was hugely impressive because getting injured in 2009. Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck have scored 14 between them so they could arguably afford to give him time to settle and get back on track without it affecting results.
Kevin Phillips
Using the theory that Sunderland don't need to replace Bent with a certain starter because of the goalscorers already on the books, is it possible that they will look to bring back the man Bent appeared on course to succeed as a Stadium of Light icon? At 37, it would only be a short-term measure.
Disagree with our suggestions? Got some of your own? Share them below...
Published: 18 Jan 2011
toon toon (January 18, 2011 1:58 PM) said:
nobody would go there, small club, fat manager.
safc x (January 18, 2011 4:21 PM) said:
Suppose he could move to that "massive" club newcastle,.. plastic fans living on past times which they achieved nothing in by the way. [extract removed by moderators] But I must say they do have the best chairman in the league. Mike ashley is red and white
Boris Bear (January 18, 2011 4:40 PM) said:
Andy Carroll has been angling for a move to Sunderland but we'd have to lose a few more before we would consider a greasy geordie thug
Cheryl Cole (January 18, 2011 6:23 PM) said:
I am a Newcastle fan through and through. I do however like to see the other north east teams do well, as it is good for the region. We have the most passionate, loyal fans up here. We have for too long been overlooked by our southern counter parts [extract removed by moderators].
We dont need money grabbing players like Bent up here so Auf Wiedersehen, Pet . Sunderland you are better off without Bent, he is a goal poacher with not much else to his game. Use a young player willing to die for his club and you will most certainly be in europe next season :)
Simon Cowell (January 19, 2011 10:33 AM) said:
Get back to work, Cheryl.
Anonymous (January 20, 2011 3:53 PM) said:
Thought there were romours that Robbie Keane may be coming to Sunderland?