Sunderland and Wolves transfer update

Sunderland Photo

We're only a few months away from the next period of frenzied transfer activity and Sunderland, who have lost Lorik Cana and Darren Bent in the last two windows, have received several reasons to be optimistic ahead of their next spell of squad restructuring.

Chief executive Steve Walton has attempted to calm fears that further stars could depart by offering the assurance that "any sales will be dictated by what is right for the manager", while chairman Niall Quinn has revealed that winger Steed Malbranque will be offered a new contract.

Perhaps the most encouraging news of all though for fans of the Black Cats is that talented young midfielder Jordan Henderson, who received his first England cap back in November, has confirmed that he has no plans to leave his hometown club this summer.

The 20-year-old told north-east newspaper The Journal: "I'm improving every day, that is what I'm aiming to do. I'm enjoying myself at Sunderland, I'm not looking to leave.

"I'm playing every week in the Premier League and that's all I have ever dreamed of doing. I'm young and I'm playing for Sunderland. It's something I love doing. I just want to keep doing that, keep improving, keep getting better as a player."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy meanwhile has admitted his intention to sign on-loan midfielder Jamie O'Hara on a permanent deal from Tottenham should his side achieve survival this season.

He said: "I want to sign him and I think Jamie would be happy to come. It will all be dependent on whether we can offer him Premier League football though. If we were safe there would be no doubt that a deal would be done. Jamie wants to come and we want to sign him."

Wolves are [2.4] to suffer relegation, while Sunderland can be backed at [5.5] to pip Liverpool and Bolton to a top-six finish...

Published: 8 Mar 2011

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