TEN YEARS ON: Sunderland boss Quinn bids for old target

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2, 2006

NIALL MOVES IN ON CLIVE: Sunderland have launched a bid for old target Clive Clarke.

The left-back chose West Ham over Sunderland when he left Stoke City last summer.

The Hammers then rejected Sunderland’s bid to take the 26-year-old on loan during the January transfer window.

But new Black Cats chairman and manager Niall Quinn has fired off a fresh bid for the defender as he seeks a solution to his left-back problem.

Full-back George McCartney is out for at least three months with knee ligament damage, Andy Welsh will miss four weeks with an injured ankle, and Julio Arca has joined Middlesbrough.

NO EXIT FOR STRIKER KYLE: Kevin Kyle will not be leaving Sunderland in the near future.

The striker has been linked with Wolves, Coventry and Luton Town. But the Echo understands he will not be sold and chairman and manager Niall Quinn will give the player his chance to make an impact in the new season.

Tomorrow: Will Anthony Stokes earn a deal with Sunderland? And Cats midfielder signs new deal to end speculation over his future.