SUNDERLAND believe they have stolen a march in the race for Charles N’Zogbia – as Steve Bruce plots a Wearside revolution that will see 10 players join the Black Cats.
The winger was told by Wigan yesterday that he could leave the Latics if someone stumps up in excess of £9million and is prepared to foot his £60,000-a-week wages.
And the Black Cats – newly flush with nearly £19million from the Jordan Henderson sale to Liverpool – are ready to table a bid this week to push themselves to the head of the queue. Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in the player, but few are prepared to pay the high premium that Wigan have put on him.
Newcastle will decide this week whether they will launch a new offer for the France international and believe the winger would like to return to Tyneside.
But N’Zogbia is also keen on re-uniting with Steve Bruce, as well as former team-mate and friend Titus Bramble.
Sunderland want 10 players now that they have the Henderson cash, as Bruce plots a massive overhaul of his Black Cats squad.
As well as N’Zogbia they want David Vaughan, Seb Larsson, Kieren Westwood, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Darron Gibson, David Ngog, DJ Campbell and Connor Whickham.
If Bruce manages to pull it off, fans would forgive the club the sale of Henderson – and Darren Bent, who left in January.
