SAFC linked with Barcelona star
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been linked with interests in Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, Norwegian striker Moa Abdellaoue and Honduran international midfielder Hendry Thomas.
The new Black Cats boss is expected behind his desk at the Stadium of Light next week after recharging his batteries on holiday.
But his time abroad has not stopped work behind the scenes on revamping the Sunderland squad.
Bruce is monitoring Peter Crouch's position at Portsmouth, and Darren Bent at Tottenham, but he has also had Valarenga striker Abdellaoue watched.
Sunderland had scouts watching the 23-year-old Norwegian international, who attracted interest from Manchester United last season, when Valerenga took on Bodo/Glimt last week. Abdellaoue, Norwegian of Morrocan descent, scored an injury-time winner.
Icelandic striker Gudjohnsen has grown frustrated at his lack of opportunites at Barcelona and might fancy a return to England.
West Ham, Everton and Fulham are other clubs said to be interested in the 30-year-old.
Bruce is also looking afresh at Honduran midfielder Thomas, who he tried to sign for Wigan last season only for work-permit problems to kill the deal.
Thomas, who plays for Honduran side Club Olimpia, might now meet the criteria for a work-permit and Sunderland would hope to see off opposition from Bruce's former club if he becomes available.
Although Bruce believes a home-grown core to Sunderland's side is desirable, he will not shy away from signing foreign players.
Last season at the JJB Stadium, Wilson Palacios, Antonio Valencia and Amr Zaki emerged as major stars for Wigan, having been talent-spotted by Bruce.
And the new Sunderland manager admits that unearthing talent from abroad appeals to him.
"Bringing in Wilson Palacios at Wigan was one of my best bits of business ever," he told the Echo.
"To get in this kid and have faith in him, to work hard with him with the coaching staff and see him blossom into the top player we always felt he was capable of being, gave us great satisfaction.
"If Wigan could have held on to him in the January transfer window, rather than him going to Spurs, the club would have had a stronger end to the season.
"But he has a great attitude to the game and sometimes it's got nothing to do with where a player is from but the desire he has and Wilson certainly had that."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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