Sunderland manager Simon Grayson has reportedly agreed to the club’s interest in West Ham United forward Robert Snodgrass but has claimed that any permanent move will be conditional to their overburdening financial debts at the moment. However, Grayson is definitely interested in a loan deal for Snodgrass.
Apparently, Sunderland’s debt standing currently is at a whopping £110 million and Grayson admitted that the club are solely targeting loan deals at the moment unless more players could be sold to free up the treasury and bring in significant signings. Sunderland failed to get any major reinforcements last winter when David Moyes was in charge.
While the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea City managed to survive the relegation with big arrivals in January, Moyes had his hands tied as they went down fighting. The Scotsman parted ways with the club as things seemed quite unfeasible for him with the Black Cats bringing in former Preston North End manager Grayson.
While the manager has brought in seven players this summer so far, they have been very low-key compared to the other title contenders in the Championship. Sunderland spent £1.25 million on four players that include Lewis Grabban, Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway on loan. Snodgrass would be a huge signing undoubtedly and Grayson hasn’t hidden his admiration for him.
Sunderland are hopeful that a deal (loan!) with West Ham United for Robert Snodgrass can be done by the end of this week. #SAFC #WHUFC
— The 4th Official (@Official_T4O) August 20, 2017
He said, “Again that would be a deal dictated by finances. He is a good footballer, I enjoyed working with him at Leeds. Would he be a good addition? Of course, he would, he is a good footballer. Can we do it? Who knows but we might ask the question.”
Sunderland have had an average start to the Championship campaign as they have won one, drawn two and lost one so far, with a progress in the EFL Cup in between. Grayson has Lynden Gooch, George Honeyman, Wahbi Khazri, Aiden McGeady and Duncan Watmore available to play in the attacking midfield and wings.
Apparently, West Ham have made their decision about the Scottish international stating him redundant. They are willing to offload whether on loan or permanently. And if Sunderland don’t act fast they could miss out on him given the huge demand he has in the market.
An academy product of Scottish side Livingston FC, Snodgrass got his first big chance at Leeds United in 2008 where Simon Grayson was the manager, after a short loan stint with Scottish side Stirling. Snodgrass managed to impress them and Norwich City came calling when they won promotion to the Premier League in 2012.
However, it ended badly as the Canaries couldn’t stay up for long and as they came crumbling, Hull City, yet another promoted side then, bought him which was followed by a move to West Ham United.
