So far this season, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been unable to ‘get one over’ on his bitter rivals, Newcastle United.
He was humiliated 5-1 at St. James’ Park way back in November and he failed to beat the Magpies when they came to the Stadium of Light, Bruce was saved another defeat by Asamoah Gyan’s left knee.
But the Sunderland manager is not totally liked yet, and is planning a move to steal a Newcastle transfer target from under Alan Pardew’s nose. To make matters worse, the target is ex-Toon player Charles N’Zogbia. The diminutive Frenchman was a popular figure on Tyneside, famously acquiring the nickname ‘Zog On The Tyne.’ Joe Kinnear had a few other names for him however, including Charles Insomnia (like the Faithless song..).
With the windfall from the sale of Andy Carroll still feathering Mike Ashley’s nest, the Magpies were planning a move to bring N’Zogbia back ‘home.’ They did attempt a transfer deadline day deal for the player, in January, reportedly making a £10 million bid, but were warded off by Dave Whelan waving a club and looking menacing. Just joking. Dave Whelan is in no way similar to the giant in Jack and The Beanstalk.
The 24 year old spent a lot of time at Newcastle since joining them from Le Havre, but he also has a close relationship with Bruce, who initially signed him for Wigan when he was manager there. However, Liverpool could potentially throw a spanner in the works for Niall Quinn and co. Kenny Dalglish is keen to recruit a left-footed midfielder who can play at left-back or left wing, positions which N’Zogbia used to fill for Newcastle. Dalglish has been promised investment, and he may choose to outbid both North East teams to ensure N’Zogbia stays in the North West.
N’Zogbia has made 61 appearances for Wigan, since joining them in 2009, and managed 9 goals. A popular figure at the DW, Roberto Martinez has already expressed his desire to keep hold of the player. With Wigan being drawn ever closer to the relegation however, could Bruce steal a march on Pardew and Dalglish and make N’Zogbia a Black Cat?
Follow Peter Turner on Twitter @petermagpie
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