On loan Onuoha happy to stay at Sunderland

09 February 2011 09:59
NEDUM ONUOHA last night admitted he would welcome a move to Sunderland in the summer but only if Manchester City decide to sell him.[LNB] He has been a success story for the Black Cats, impressing enough during a season-long loan spell to ensure that manager Steve Bruce wants to make the arrangement permanent.[LNB] The 24-year-old has started 23 times in the Premier League since his switch, almost a third of the total he racked up during six seasons as a professional at City.[LNB] Onuoha's impressive displays at right-back, even though his preference is to play centre-back, has helped him to settle in to life at the Stadium of Light and he would not have any reservations about moving full-time.[LNB] I'm happy here either way, whether we're fighting relegation or going for the title,[LNB] said Onuoha, born in Nigeria but has spent the majority of his life in Manchester. It's a great place, we've got some great supporters and it's a great place to play.[LNB] I think if it came down to it and City were to accept a bid for me from Sunderland then it wouldn't be a difficult decision for me. I like it here.[LNB] It's been easy for me to leave that behind and settle at Sunderland because we do get time and I do go back to Manchester as much as I can, because that's where my family are.[LNB] It isn't all that far and people are very welcoming, so I can come and go, and this [Sunderland] feels like home as well.[LNB] The chances of Sunderland landing the former England Under-21 international in the summer rest with City, who were quoting interested clubs an £8m during the last closeseason.[LNB] While Roberto Mancini has continued to invest in his squad, there is a feeling that Onuoha's employers are likely to want a similar figure at the end of his loan.[LNB] Bruce may have money to reinvest in the squad following the sale of Darren Bent, but he knows at least one new striker would have to be his priority particularly given how Danny Welbeck's loan will also have expired in June.[LNB] Onuoha admits that, if Sunderland fail to reach an agreement, he would not lose any sleep over going back to Manchester City.[LNB] You can't forget the fact that I'm a Manchester boy,[LNB] he said. I could end up going back to Manchester City but if that's not an option, then I've still enjoyed every second of being at Sunderland, so it's definitely something I'll consider.[LNB] I have been with City since I was ten-years-old so it's remarkable to see how much has changed. It's great to see them doing so well and a shame I'm not a part of it but it's not the end of the world.[LNB] I signed a five-year deal at the start of last season so if I go back there this summer I'll still have three years left.[LNB] If they don't want me then there's nothing I can do about that. It's a great place, a great club but it's been great for me here as well.[LNB] With City looking for £8m for a defender that has struggled to command a first team place and after a month in which more than £215m was spent by Premier League clubs, Onuoha admits the desire for success is becoming greater.[LNB] Is any player worth any amount of money like what was paid for Torres or Bent or whoever he said.[LNB] Probably not, but if that's what they need to do to try to help themselves out in the long run, then so be it.[LNB] It's one of those things.[LNB] Every set of fans at every club wants their team to be successful and if it's not then any form of investment could be big for the club.[LNB] Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon, meanwhile, has withdrawn from Scotland duty.[LNB] He was unlikely to start against Northern Ireland tonight but is receiving treatment on a knee injury sustained in the 3-2 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday.[LNB] Ryan Noble made a goalscoring return to Sunderland's reserves in a 4-0 win against Blackpool at Eppleton CW last night.[LNB] Nathan Luscombe, Craig Lynch and Jack Colback scored in the opening half before Noble, who has been suffering with a back problem, emerged from the bench to complete an impressive win.[LNB] Sunderland: B Wilson, Marrs, Adams, Reed (R Noble, 57), Madden, Laing, Lynch (Knott, 73), N Wilson, Fletcher, Colback, Luscombe. Subs (not used): Watson, King, Laidler.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo