Sunderland close in on Portsmouth star
Sunderland's pursuit of Portsmouth's Matt Taylor has moved a step closer to success with Pompey's acquisition of Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra.
But ironically, Taylor's eventual exit from Fratton Park may come at the expense of another Sunderland target – Steve Sidwell – disappointing the Black Cats by joining the South coast side.
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Portsmouth have reluctantly decided that Taylor can leave the club he has spent the last five years at. And they have bids on the table from two clubs – believed to be Sunderland and Bolton – which have been deemed acceptable by the board.
Middlesbrough are also believed to be showing an interest after an injury to Andrew Taylor has left them a little short of left-sided players.
Pompey manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that with his squad stricken by injuries and absentees at the African Cup of Nations, he will not let anyone leave in the transfer window unless he is satisfied he has cover for them.
The 5.5million signing of French midfielder Diarra which is set to go through in the next 24 hours will pave the way for Taylor's departure.
But Redknapp is also intent on persuading Chelsea's Sidwell to move to Fratton Park.
And if Sidwell prefers Portsmouth to Sunderland, that would, ironically, speed up Taylor's exit.
Sidwell has accepted it is in his best interests to leave Stamford Bridge after being given little hope of nailing down a regular place in the Chelsea engine room.
The 25-year-old is ready for a loan move or a permanent move in the transfer window.
Chelsea boss Avram Grant has indicated that he will not be allowed to leave until the end of January because he needs cover with the African tournament depriving him of players.
Sunderland were believed to have led the chase for his services but Redknapp has also gone in for the player and reckons he can persuade the ex-Reading man to stay down south.
With Everton also monitoring Sidwell's situation, it means that Sunderland could end up with both or neither of their targets.
Suggestions though that they would be outbid by either Portsmouth, Everton or Bolton for players, do not stack up.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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