Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce opts out of race to sign £10m N’Zogbia
CHARLES N'ZOGBIA should become an Aston Villa player this week after Sunderland admitted defeat in their pursuit of the Frenchman.[LNB] The Black Cats have decided not to pursue the former Newcastle winger after learning that Wigan Athletic want £10m for him on top of his £60,000-a-week demands.[LNB] And with Newcastle United taking a similar stance, N'- Zogbia is now waiting for the go-ahead to head for Villa Park.[LNB] It was always going to be difficult for Sunderland, who are looking to reduce last season's wage bill, to sign N'Zogbia once Stewart Downing's move to Liverpool had been concluded.[LNB] Villa boss Alex McLeish had identified the 25-year-old as Downing's replacement at an early stage and there have been regular discussions with Wigan over a potential sale.[LNB] An initial £9m offer remains on the table, but Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is understood to be looking for a further £1m before he gives the nod for the player's departure.[LNB] Now Bruce, who was interested in signing Downing before the intervention of Liverpool, is exploring alternatives in his attempts to fill his left flank spot.[LNB] He has the option of playing a three-man attack, which would mean the likes of Stephane Sessegnon and Seb Larsson providing width to a lone front-man.[LNB] But Bruce is also keen to have an out-and-out left-midfielder at his disposal who would enable him to play four across the midfield.[LNB] Steed Malbranque provides an option, but he could be sold if a suitable £3m offer arrives for a player entering the final 12 months of his contract.[LNB] Bruce's arm will be strengthened in the coming weeks if he can move on some of those he is prepared to let go, with Nyron Nosworthy, George McCartney, Anton Ferdinand and Malbranque all up for grabs.[LNB] But he is having to plan ahead with what he has, meaning there will be no further additions unless there is sudden movement on the outgoings front.[LNB] Bruce is likely to make a fresh attempt to land Danny Welbeck on loan from Manchester United next month, but looks unlikely to re-sign Nedum Onuoha.[LNB] The defender, one of Sunderland's best players last season, is available for around £8m from Manchester City, where he has been forced to stay behind and train with the reserves instead of head on a tour of North America.[LNB] Onuoha has been left behind with Jo, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge and Emmanuel Adebayor after being told by email they would not be joining the first team squad.[LNB] He said: I'd love to stay and fight, and until someone tells me to jog on then I'll keep trying.[LNB] I don't have a locker, I don't have a squad number now, but other than that it's same as.[LNB] It's a case of coming in during the week, training hard and getting ready for any games that we have.'' Sunderland have formed a partnership with Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko as they look to grow their brand in west Africa.[LNB] The partnership will see the Wearsiders share coaching and business knowledge with the Porcupine Warriors, offer advice and support in football business strategy, youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matters.[LNB]
