Source: Northern_Echo
Sunderland hopeful of securing James’ services
SUNDERLAND are confident of agreeing a surprise deal for England goalkeeper David James after Craig Gordon's broken arm left the Wearsiders short of experienced cover ahead of next month's Premier League kick-off.[LNB] James' agent Colin Gordon, who also represents Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, was in Portugal last night to watch Steve Bruce's side in pre-season action against Brighton.[LNB] He revealed that further talks are scheduled to take place over the next couple of days at Sunderland's pre-season training camp in the Algarve with both parties optimistic James' vast experience could soon be marshalling the Black Cats defence.[LNB] Of course David would be interested in a move to Sunderland,[LNB] said his agent.[LNB] They are a big, Premier League club with an excellent manager in Steve Bruce. I know Steve well and we are having ongoing talks.[LNB] We are hopeful that something can be done but Sunderland already have Craig Gordon who is a top class goalkeeper and once he returns from injury that could complicate matters.[LNB] James' agent was also quick to deny that they 39-year-old would insist on being given the guarantee that he would become Sunderland's number one choice.[LNB] No, not at all, was Gordon's response when that was put to him. From what we understand about Craig's injury if David were to join Sunderland then he would have two to three months to show what he's capable of anyway.[LNB] What happens after that would be up to Steve Bruce.[LNB] But we are looking for at least a one year deal.[LNB] Bruce is determined to fill the void left by Gordon's injury by offering James an opportunity to extend his Premier League career.[LNB] James became a free agent at the end of last season and rejected the chance to remain at Portsmouth who had offered him a player-coach role.[LNB] Bruce placed the recruitment of an established keeper at the top of his list of priorities following Gordon's training ground injury that left the Scotland number one with a fractured left arm for the second time in eight months.[LNB] Neither Simon Mignolet nor Trevor Carson possess sufficient top-flight experience to convince Bruce they are capable of deputising while Gordon's understudy Marton Fulop has made clear his intention to quit the Stadium of Light this summer.[LNB] Few players can match 53- times capped James in terms of experience and his capture would represent a significant coup for Bruce who faces competition from Celtic, Fulham and Arsenal for his signature.[LNB] James started three of England's four World Cup matches in South Africa after Fabio Capello called on his experience in the wake of Rob Green's howler in the Three Lions' 1-1 draw against the USA. If a deal can be reached Sunderland's squad will next season boast both England and Scotland's first choice international goalkeepers. James' arrival would also signal the end of Fulop's four year spell at the Stadium of Light with Ipswich manager Roy Keane monitoring the Hungary international's availability. Titus Bramble meanwhile was in Portugal yesterday to put the finishing touches on a switch from Wigan believed to be worth around £1m. After passing a medical the former Newcastle centre- half joined Bruce to discuss personal terms. Bramble suffered a stress fracture that forced him to miss the final two games of last season but following foot surgery he is expected to be fully fit in time for the Black Cats Premier league opener at home to Birmingham City on August 14. Sunderland also remain hopeful of agreeing a temporary deal for Ghana international defender John Mensah despite reports in the African media claiming that the offer of a pay as you play deal has been rejected by the player who made 16 appearances on loan from Lyon last season. Nyron Nosworthy has rejoined Championship side Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season.[LNB]
