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Maximiliano Lopez from River Plate - It's believed that due to Sunderland not being able to locate a striker suitable for what McCarthy wants in a player, they will allow Mick to spend and spend big. The Mackems are ready to offer 3.5m for the 20yr-old striker, which would use up all Sunderland's available transfer funds. Lopez is a quality strong player and suited to the English game. One has a feeling that this may have been a tip from one Julio Arca, who would surley welcome a fellow Argentine. I'd back any move for player like this, as it would clearly state Sunderland's abitions for the coming season! The striker had this to say. "No, I don't speak English but am I going to have to learn? I would prefer to play in Europe. If I had a choice, I would prefer England. The games that I've seen on television please me and I believe that I would be able to play there. However, if there is not a great offer, my idea is to remain here."
Stephen Crainey from Southampton - It has been rumoured over the weekend, that long term target Stephen Crainey could be heading for the Stadium of Light. Due to a sell on clause in Crainey's contract, Celtic would be entitled to a cash payment, so Sunderland would have to pay around 500k for the Scotland international left-back. Crainey has said that he would happy to join Mick McCarthy at the SOL after being told he is surplus to requirements at St Mary's. It's still to be seen whether Sunderland would be willing to pay such a large fee, especially if the Mackems sign David Connolly, which would cost the over 500k
David Connolly from Westham - The Republic of Ireland international has been offered to Sunderland for 500k. This comes at a time when Sunderland are short on strikers and David is what I beleive, the best stiker that we've been linked with over the summer. I hope McCarthy does sign the lad, as Stewart is the only forward with any real experience.
Blessing Kaku from Ashdod - 26-yr-old Kaku is set to arrive at the Stadium of Light next week for talks with Mick McCarthy about a move to Sunderland. Kaku is said to be a very good player, but has had an injury nightmare through is footballing years. The hard-tackling midfielder, who can play as a centre back, has come through a full season without injury and it would appear McCarthy is ready to give the lad a chance he deserves. A host of French clubs were chasing his signature, but it would appear the Mackems have their man. If Kaku signs, this will be Mick McCarthy's sixth so far this summer. Eliseu is expected to sign from Belenenses for 400,000 Euros and Michael Chopra is also expected on a season long loan from Newcastle. Both are beleived to be signing before Sunderland's pre season trip to the United States and will mean Sunderland have landed an amazing eight players for the coming season.
Kenny Miller from Wolves - With Byfield and Smith both leaving The Stadium of Light, you can be sure Sunderland will be bringing at least one striker in before the season kicks off. Kenny Miller is the leatest to be linked with a move to the SOL and I've been well informed that Mick is hoping to bring somebody to Sunderland in the next seven days. I fully expect one of Miller, Parkin, Eliseu or Silva to be signing.
Edson Silva from PSV - PSV Eindhoven youngster Edson Silva claims he is rejecting an approach from Sunderland because he wants to return to his homeland, Portugal. The exciting forward scored the winning goal in a recent youth tournament success for Portugal against Brazil. He has suggested that Mick McCarthy has made a bold move to bring him to Wearside. "I've an offer from Sunderland but I want to return to Portugal," Edson is quoted as saying in The Sunday Sun. "I have two more years of my contract at PSV but I have spoken with the coach and already told him I don't want to be here next season. "Sunderland have been in negotiations with PSV, but Benfica is my dream."
Eliseu from Belenenses - Mick McCarthy is preparing to swoop for Portugal's Under 20 midfielder Eliseu, according to the Daily Star and The Sun.
Tommy Doherty from Bristol City - Bristol City captain Tommy Doherty has become the latest Ashton Gate player to be linked with a possible move away from the West Country. The battling central midfielder is thought to be interesting Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, having been previously linked with Premiership side Southampton during the past campaign. Chairman Steve Lansdown has stated that the club are not interested in selling Doherty, but that the right offer could tempt the club and the player to change their minds.
Frank Sinclair from Leicester City - Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy could make a move for Frank Sinclair. Reports in today's newspapers have linked the 32 year old with a free transfer to Wearside, following the defender's release from Leicester City last season. The former Chelsea man spent nine days in prison earlier this year, after he was wrongly accused of sexual assault (along with then-Leicester teammates Paul Dickov and Keith Gillespie) while at a training camp in La Manga.
Dean Whitehead from Oxford - Oxford United's Dean Whitehead is the latest player to be linked with a move to Sunderland. Whitehead, who started his career at Oxford, and has since played 136 games since 1999 for the Us, has been troubled with a spate of injuries. The 22 year old has also attracted the interest of the likes of Reading, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Watford, and has been tipped by Oxford fans as a star of the future.
Liam Lawrence from Mansfield Town - Sunderland are said to be leading the chase for the talented 22 year old attacking midfielder. Lawrence is out of contract next month, so wouldn't require at transfer fee, however Mansfield would be entitled to a compensation payment due to the players age. Mansfield would be keen to hang on the thier star player, but with the lur of 1st division football and the chance Premiership football, it would be unlikely that he'd opt to stay at Field Mill.
Don Hutchison from West Ham - It's being reported today that Mick McCarthy is planning to signing Don Hutchison from West Ham. West Ham are unable to afford Hutchison's 35k per week wages, so have decided to off load the player. The problem with this, is if West Ham can't afford his wages, then how will we?
Stephen Elliott from Manchester City - Sunderland are understood to be on the verge of signing Elliott for a nominal fee. I would expect this price to be round the 750k mark. The Republic of Ireland U21 international has scored 11 goals in the last 15 reserves matches, which had caught McCarthy's attention. It would seem that Elliott has found himself well down the pecking order at the City of Manchester stadium, so a move to the Stadium of Light would certainly appeal to the young foward.
Michael Bridges from Leeds - If Sunderland sign Bridges for free from Leeds United, then I would expect the lad to run riot in the first division. I can confirm that Sunderland have already been in talks with Bridges, which is promising. I believe that Bridges would sign for Sunderland as other teams interested in signing him couldn't offer first team football. One team interested is Southampton and the reason Bridges left Sunderland was because he was behind the likes of Kevin Phillips, so I would find it hard to believe that he would want to put himself back in the same situation he was 5 years ago. One stumbling block could Bridges wage demands, but with high earners Babb, Bjorklund and McAteer all leaving, Sunderland may be able to offer him a good enough package.
Morten Gamst Pedersen from Tromso - The Norway national coach has already advised Pedersen that a move to Stadium would be the best destination to further his football career and increase his international future. Perderson would come at 1.5m, which is allot of money to a first division team, but could be 1.5m well spent for the talent we would receive in return. A host of Premiership clubs are also waiting in the wings, but non that could offer consistent first team football, which could swing it in Sunderland's favour.
Gary Speed from Newcastle - It's being reported today that Sunderland will table a bid with the Welsh Veteran if they are promoted. Speed would come at a minimum fee due to age and current contract status.
Ian Harte from Leeds - It's rumoured that if Sunderland are promoted, Mick McCarthy will make a move for Leeds defender. Sunderland would pay 1.5m - 2m for Harte and would be a sound buy at that price.
Carl Robinson from Portsmouth - Mick McCarthy will attempt to sign Carl Robinson from Portsmouth, but will come with a minimum fee. Portsmouth will be looking to move some of their players on and with Carl publicly admitting that he would like to sign for Sunderland on a permanent basis, I expect to see him at the SOL next season.
Steve Caldwell from Scumcastle - The word is that although Steve is currently on loan at Leeds, he will be offered and will accept a contract from Sunderland in the summer. Expect Steve to be Gary Breen's new defensive partner next season, promoted or not.
Keep an eye out for updates to this article over the summer.