Source: Northern_Echo
Cats sell Jones for record fee
KENWYNE Jones became the most expensive player ever to be sold by Sunderland when he joined Stoke City last night in a deal that could be worth up to £10m.[LNB] The Wearsiders also completed the capture of versatile Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and Lyon's John Mensah on season-long loans. Both players are in contention to face Birmingham City on Saturday.[LNB] Manager Steve Bruce admitted that his decision to allow Jones to join their Premier League rivals came after he finally lost patience with the striker's inconsistent form.[LNB] Jones joins the Potters, who finished last season three points ahead of Sunderland, on a four-year contract.[LNB] Bruce expects to complete a season's loan move for Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck before this weekend's Premier League opener to boost his attacking ranks that consist of Darren Bent, Fraizer Campbell and Martyn Waghorn.[LNB] Jones' departure in a deal worth an initial £8m will allow Welbeck to gain the regular first team experience at Sunderland that Sir Alex Ferguson has made a prerequisite of the England Under-21's move from Old Trafford.[LNB] The 19-year-old has made only eight Premier League appearances for United, scoring one goal, but he is regarded as a hot prospect by Ferguson who has Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen as his senior strikers.[LNB] Bruce has also been linked with interest in Man City frontman Roque Santa Cruz but his wages could deter Sunderland who are determined to reduce their payroll costs this summer.[LNB] Sunderland turned down a reported £16m bid from Tottenham for Jones in January 2009 and have previously fended- off interest from Liverpool.[LNB] Prior to the completion of yesterday's deal the Sunderland manager outlined his reasons for selling the 25-yearold when he said: There has always been a frustration with me and I think with supporters who have watched Kenwyne that you see an abundance of talent but it has not come out often enough for us for whatever reason.[LNB] In management you get paid to make some important decisions sometimes. Stoke have been badgering me for a year. Everyone knows they love a big, traditional centreforward and he might go and suit them.[LNB] Towards the end with Kenwyne, things were not working out so I have accepted Stoke's offer and given him permission to speak to them.[LNB] Jones scored 28 goals in 101 appearances for the Black Cats following his arrival from Southampton in a deal valued at £6m, but since Bruce's arrival at the club he has impressed only sporadically.[LNB]
