Source: Team_Talk
Cats close in on Mensah and James
Sunderland are close to once more securing defender John Mensah on loan from French club Lyon - and also hope to sign David James.[LNB] The 27-year-old Ghana international had an impressive World Cup with the Black Stars and is set for a return to the Stadium of Light.[LNB]Last season Mensah made 16 appearances in the Premier League for the Black Cats and could play an important part in their upcoming campaign.[LNB]It is understood Lyon are keen to offload Mensah from their wage bill, although the two clubs are not thought to have agreed a financial package as yet.[LNB]Sunderland manager Steve Bruce told The Journal: "We're close with John Mensah. [LNB]"He wants to come and Lyon want him to go, so that will hopefully get sorted in the next few days."[LNB]Meanwhile, Bruce is still hoping to land England goalkeeper James, although admits the player's situation is far from clear.[LNB]The 39-year-old shot-stopper has been in talks with SPL side Celtic but having cancelled a trip to Parkhead on Monday, a switch to Sunderland could still be on the cards.[LNB]Bruce added: "David James has talked to Celtic, which we always knew he was going to do. [LNB]"I don't think he is trying to play one off against the other, he's just keeping his options open at the moment. We're still hopeful something will happen."
