Sunderland are reportedly looking to bring in both Jack Rodwell and Kurt Zouma on loan. The Shield’s Gazette reports that both players figure highly on Gus Poyet’s list of potential transfers.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Ashley Williams ended when the Swansea captain signed a new contract with the club to extend his stay. This has forced The Black Cats to look at other options, including loan signings, opening the door for potential move for Zouma.
Zouma is seen as one of the most exciting youth prospects in European football. The centre back joined French side Saint-Etienne in 2009 before breaking into the senior squad two years later aged just 16. He has since gone on to make 63 league appearances in Ligue 1.
Despite his young age, he has also courted controversy. In 2013 he was banned for 10 games following a horror tackle that left his opponent with a broken leg.
Chelsea signed the centre back in January, although they immediately loaned him back to his former club so that he could continue his development by playing first team football.
Rodwell on the other hand would provide quality in a midfield that has struggled at times. With the loss of Jack Colback and Craig Gardner, Sunderland are also short of options in the middle of the park.
He joined Manchester City in 2012 for a £12 million fee, but has since gone on to make just 16 league appearances for the side.
His limited first team football has halted his development and kept him out of the England squad. The 23 year old may therefore be open to a move to a club further down the table in order to guarantee playing time.
Although he hasn’t impressed at Manchester City, his performances at Everton earned him plaudits from a number of pundits and he has demonstrated his ability to play in The Premier Leauge. This makes Rodwell an ideal signing for Sunderland. Nathan Gibson
Let’s see Rodwell in action. Sunderland fans: what’s not to like about this one?
