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Sunderland bid to hijack Lucas Neill deal
Ken Dyer5 Aug 2009
Sunderland were today in discussions with Lucas Neill as they attempted to stop the defender re-joining West Ham.
Since his £60,000-a-week contract expired last month, the Hammers have been trying to get Neill to sign a new deal on substantially less wages.
Talks have been progressing but Sunderland could now hijack the Hammers' move as they step up their bid to bring the Australia international to the Stadium of Light.
Neill's wage demands might not be a problem, as Sunderland owner Ellis Short has given manager Steve Bruce a healthy transfer budget this summer.
Bruce has made it clear he wants to strengthen his defence and has also been linked with Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.
Reader views (2)
Fair comment Damien, however I'm sure you'll agree it's not exactly been a whirlwind of transfer activity this close season so far, has it (save for all the hundreds top South American players who are DEFINITELY joining that Big Club in North London, DEFINITELY)?
Catch Wenger's recent quotes on Chamakh - Bordeaux are trying to eke a fee out of a player with six months left on his contract. Many teams are no doubt trying to get as much as they can (as well as players who are no doubt greedily waiting to see if any better last-minute deals come along), and as the window gets nearer the close activity always picks up.
Although I appreciate West Ham usually wheel out the usual excuses after doing absolutely no business.
Every. Single. Year.
Decent enough point about Ken though. You've got the inside track, Ken. Give us some news for a change.
- Stu, Beckton, 05/08/2009 17:45
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Ken we are all very very angry, frustrated and worried at the current state of affairs and our paper-thin and quality-insufficient squad at West Ham.
Duxbury has done several interviews where statements and promises have been made to the fans and once again they have not been delivered upon. I stand to be corrected with just over a week until the season starts, but surely we should have added to the squad with 2+ strikers (first team, experienced, decent ones) and at least another right back before it all kicks off.
It is up to you and media like Skysports News and the like to ask the tough questions and press for answers from the club and Duxbury. Us loyal fans have no way of asking the important questions and so we rely on you gusy to do it for us. Duxbury recently gave a lengthy interview to Iain Dale and fans site KUMB which I'm sure you have seen and I now think this was all a season ticket sales pitch.
Some will say those of us renewing are 'mugs' but why should I have to refuse to renew my season ticket that i've had nearly 20 years just to get a message to the people in charge that we're not happy and want answers/changes.
- Damien Lucas, Bucks, 05/08/2009 16:49
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