Sunderland Transfer News: O'Neill To Snatch Blackburn Duo?

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is planning a raid on recently relegated Blackburn Rovers by attempting to capture the much sought after free agent Junior Hoilett and the talented midfielder Steven N'Zonzi. O'Neill has already begun making his mark on the Sunderland team he inherited from Steve Bruce in December with the signing of his former Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar on a free transfer. However with the transfer budget boost from the sale of wayward forward Asamoah Gyan, O'Neill seems eager to build on his already talented squad. With the departure of Gyan and the return of Nicklas Bendtner to Arsenal following his loan spell, Sunderland are in desperate need to bolster their attack. It would seem that explosive forward Junior Hoilett is high on O'Neill's wish list and with the player out of contract only a minimal compensation fee (to be set by a tribunal) would be required. Sunderland certainly have a battle on their hands if they are to sign one of this summer's hot properties, with clubs from the Premier League and across Europe all keen on what could possibly the bargain purchase of the transfer window. Steve Kean also looks to be fighting a losing battle to keep the 6€™3€ defensive midfield powerhouse Steven N€™Zonzi. At only 23, N€™Zonzi looks to be at the start of a great career in an age of Football where the utilisation of a defensive midfield option is becoming a standard feature across Europe. Interest in N€™Zonzi had been high, with clubs such as Arsenal reportedly ready to bid. However lately such interest has cooled and a team of Sunderland€™s calibre seems a more realistic destination for the talented Frenchman.