Who’ll be in Red & White?

With just over a week until the start of the new season, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce still has a lot of work to complete in the summer transfer window. Here we look at the current situation of the main rumoured targets.

John Mensah: Reports from Ghana suggest the deal is pretty much done with Lyon. It seems this may be some sort of permanent deal instead of another loan. Hopefully this will become official this weekend. Risky this one but one worth taking after watching Mensah in the World Cup.

Danny Welbeck: Reports suggest Alex Ferguson has agreed to loan out Welbeck to SAFC but this is yet to be confirmed officially. We may hear something shortly. Whether we need another forward is another matter.

Joe Hart: An enquiry was made to Man City for a short term loan but City have not responded. Can’t see this going anywhere.

Charles N’Zogbia: Former Magpie, N’Zogbia, is unsettled at Wigan and we are reportedly interested in bringing the Frenchman to the SoL but nothing clear cut has been reported as of yet. Would be a great signing but unlikely.

Stephen Ireland: Ireland is surplus to requirements at City and Steve Bruce is very interested in the lad. It is thought, though, that City will wait until the end of August to make a decision on player sales. Ireland would be an outstanding signing if we could pull it off.

Tom Cleverley: This one has cropped up in the last 24 hours but not confirmed by either party. He would be a good signing for midfield cover but unlikely to happen, especially if Welbeck arrives.