McFadden poised for new contract and loan exit

Forward James McFadden is set to extend his contract at Sunderland after it expired earlier this week, before heading out on-loan.

The 29 year-old Scottish international’s three-month deal on Wearside expired at the weekend, but despite making just three substitute appearances, McFadden is set for a new deal.

McFadden had been expected to leave the Club, with interest from former employers Birmingham City and Motherwell, however Martin O’Neill has confirmed that an extension will be offered to the winger-cum-forward.

“His contract has expired now and we are having a look at it again.’ O’Neill told The Evening Chronicle

The Ulsterman also confirmed that McFadden, who’s most significant appearance was 28 minutes against Liverpool, will be moved out on-loan to get game time, despite being match fit.

“It might be a case of bringing him back, letting him go on loan to the Championship to have a game or two, and ensuring he is fresh for the back end of the season and properly match-fit,’ contended O’Neill.

And odd piece of business for me; clearly the signing smacks of a lack of available bodies in the squad if a guy who’s played a grand total of 36 minutes first-team football in three months is being offered a new deal.

That he would then be moved out on-loan when the senior striking options are Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham just strikes me a self-defeating. Presumably O’Neill is optimistic about adding another forward to the squad.