Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Evans deal delights Keane

29 Dec 2006 - 16:26:55

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane has confirmed that he has agreed a loan deal to bring Manchester United defender Jonny Evans to the Stadium of Light.

The 19-year-old will move to the Black Cats on Monday and remain with the Championship side for the rest of the season, although his United team-mate Phil Bardsley is still to decide whether to join him on Wearside.

Keane confirmed: "Phil Bardsley came up here on Wednesday, had a look around and we had a good chat. He's having a few days to think things over and hopefully he'll come back with a positive answer.

"Jonny looks a done deal. I spoke with the manager at United and Jonny's agent yesterday (Thursday). He'll come here next week and is hoping to be at the game tomorrow (Saturday).

"I'm absolutely delighted with that because he'll be a top player. He's young, hungry and he's a tough lad. I've seen him play enough times.

"People might not know a lot about him, but I know enough to know he'll add something to our team and our squad.

"I think it's of great benefit to the player because, if he's trying to make a career at Manchester United, Sunderland is a great opportunity for him to come and play.

"He's a centre-half who can also play at full-back, but I probably see him more as a centre-half."