Source: Northern_Echo
Captain’s band is lure to Ireland
SUNDERLAND are prepared to offer Stephen Ireland the captaincy as Steve Bruce tries to lure the Manchester City midfielder to the Stadium of Light.[LNB] Lorik Cana's shock decision to quit Wearside last week for Galatasaray prompted Bruce to add an experienced central midfield player to his wanted list, with Ireland earmarked as the ideal replacement.[LNB] City will demand around £10m for a player deemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands, but wages are likely to prove more of a stumbling block for the Wearsiders.[LNB] Just over a year ago Ireland penned a lucrative five-year contract with City, thought to be worth around £80,000 per week, but he has slipped down the pecking order following Mark Hughes' departure last December.[LNB] The recent addition to Roberto Mancini's squad of Yaya Toure and David Silva means Ireland is no longer part of his plans.[LNB] Aston Villa are also interested in the 23-year-old, with a potential swap deal involving James Milner under consideration.[LNB] Sunderland assistant manager Eric Black, who will take charge of the squad that faces Darlington this afternoon, confirmed the club would love to add Ireland's quality to their squad.[LNB] It would be wonderful to bring a player like Stephen Ireland to the club. I think everybody is aware how good a player he is, but it could be a long shot. We have a certain level of salary which his probably exceeds, said Black.[LNB] Bruce expressed his admiration for Ireland when he said: Stephen is a very gifted player and, of course, most of us would be interested.[LNB] But he earns a hell of a lot of money and most of us are priced out of the market. He's a good player and I like him, but whether I can afford him, or get him, is another matter.[LNB] Darren Bent will make an earlier than expected return to action this afternoon, with Black selecting from a strong squad of 18.[LNB] And the striker could soon be linking up with Manchester United's Danny Welbeck, who is poised to agree a season- long loan deal.[LNB] Black said: Danny is unproven but he has played several games for Man United and we believe he's got a lot of potential.[LNB] He's a big lad, quick. He falls into that category at United like we have with (Jack) Colback and (Martyn) Waghorn. We'd hope to bring him here and make him a better player and contribute to a good season for ourselves. If it happens, I'm sure he'll bring something to the party.[LNB] Daryl Murphy has joined Celtic ending a five-year spell on Wearside, where he scored 14 goals in 110 league appearances.[LNB] Murphy penned a threeyear deal after Sunderland accepted an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £1.5m.[LNB] Murphy admits he had no hesitation in quitting Sunderland for Celtic once he learned of their interest.[LNB] Asked why he joined the Hoops, he said: I don't even know where to start.[LNB] Being Irish, I grew up with Celtic everywhere and as a kid I supported them.[LNB] The club's history, the fans there are a million reasons why I joined.'' Murphy is unlikely to join Celtic on their pre-season tour of North America and admits the last few weeks have been a whirlwind.[LNB] He said: The first I heard about their interest was about a month ago, but at the time I thought it was just speculation in the papers and didn't read too much into it.[LNB] Over the last few weeks I found out it was concrete and it's happened quite fast.'' Black denied the club are interested in Burnley winger Chris Eagles but said Nyron Nosworthy has been given permission to discuss a loan move to Sheffield United.[LNB]
