Championship boss hints at future of £500k Sunderland-linked striker

Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk has hinted that rumoured Sunderland target Sam Winnall still has a part to play with the Owls – despite his lack of appearances this season.
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The 28-year-old was eyed by the Black Cats last January when a deal for Will Grigg looked to have stalled, and his name has once again been mentioned in the same breath as Sunderland following claims that Phil Parkinson was chasing a mystery second tier striker.

But Monk has poured cold water on rumours of a January exit for the striker, hinting that Winnall – who joined the Owls for £500,000 from Barnsley – could still play a part at Hillsborough.

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"The proof is in what has happened already this season with players being out of the squad and then back in," said Monk, speaking to the Sheffield Star.

Sam WinnallSam Winnall
Sam Winnall

"You need the whole squad.

“There is no closed door on anyone.

"At the end of the day, my job is to pick 11 starting players and an 18-man squad. It is difficult.

"Sometimes there have been players who have been left out of squads that don't necessarily deserve it but you have to make decisions.”

Meanwhile, the Black Cats have confirmed that cash turnstiles will be in operation for the visit of Bolton Wanderers.

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The Boxing Day fixture is set to attract another strong crowd, after Sunderland broke a long-standing League One record last term after attracting a gate of 46,039 for the visit of Bradford during last year’s festive schedule.

And fans will have an extra opportunity to buy tickets after the club revealed that cash turnstiles would be in operation.

A club statement read: “Tickets are still available via the usual channels; however, cash turnstiles will also be in operation for fans wishing to pay on the gate.

“Turnstiles 39-40 in the east stand will be open and tickets are priced at £25 for all ages.

“Elsewhere, turnstiles 17-18 in the west stand will be open for home fans, priced at £25.

“If you wish to purchase a concessions tickets, please head to the Stadium of Light box office.”