Our Punters here in the Transfer Tavern are expecting Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce to get the next round in, after ESPN reported that chairman Ellis Short will back him with a £20m warchest for January.
Though Allardyce will be backed as the man to turn Sunderland’s fortunes around, things haven’t gone completely to plan. A 1-0 home loss to Southampton last time out meant that he has only secured one victory since his takeover, a 3-0 victory against bitter rivals Newcastle United.
With Sunderland’s fortunes still clearly not getting any better, Allardyce will be given a budget to bring in his own recruits, and to therefore impose his own philosophy on the club. With the former West Ham United coach often priding himself on a solid defence, it would not be surprising to see this position being bolstered in particular.
Hit Allardyce below to see FIVE players Sunderland could use £20m to sign!
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Charlie Austin
With QPR languishing in 13th in the Championship, 14 points outside of the automatic promotion spots, a move away from Loftus Road could be ever more likely for Austin. The former Burnley man still has ambitions to get on the plane for Euro 2016, so a move up north could be a move to suit all parties.
QPR will be keen to let Austin go in January, rather than lose him for nothing in the summer. A proven goalscorer, Austin would certainly be a huge boost to a flimsy Black Cats attack.
James Collins
A former colleague of Allardyce during their West Ham days, Collins is clearly no longer the first choice at Upton Park. Big Sam will be very keen to bolster his back line, and will look to bring in the experienced welsh defender.
At the age of 32, Collins is unlikely to cost too much money either, so this could be a shrewd piece of business for Sunderland.
Sandro
Sunderland could raid QPR further, and make a swoop for the talented Brazillian midfielder. Sandro still arguably has plenty of quality for the Premier League, and at the age of 26, still has plenty of years left in him.
Sandro would add further stability to Sunderland’s defensive problems, and would arguably be a much better man alongside Yann M’Vila in front of the Sunderland back four, than Lee Cattermole.
Arthur Masuaku
Sunderland have also been linked with the 22 year old Olympiacos defender. Big Sam has been disappointed with the performances of current left back Patrick van Aanholt, and therefore may look to bring in a new left back as a result.
Masuaku has made 3 Champions League appearances for the Greek side already this season, and is believed to be a lot more solid defensively than van Aanholt.
Morgan Amalfitano
Finally, Sunderland could save themselves a bit of money, by moving for free agent Amalfitano. The French midfielder performed well for the Hammers under Allardyce last season, and also enjoyed a previous spell at West Brom the year before.
Though he is 30 years old, he could bring a bit more creativity to the Sunderland attack, as well as providing some experience to the likes of promising talent, Duncan Watmore.
