The Sunderland Echo understands that Chris Coleman has identified Cardiff City goalkeeper Lee Camp and Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher as the two players he wants at Sunderland before tonight’s transfer deadline. Both players are available for loan at their parent clubs.
Coleman had hoped to bring Andy Lonergan from Leeds United to challenge Robbin Ruiter for the number one jersey at the Stadium of Light, only for that deal to fall through. Jason Steele is reportedly set for a move to Derby County, so the new for a new goalie is increased. Camp certainly adds experience. Chris Martin of Derby, who has since joined Reading, was another supposed striker target they failed to land. Fletcher remains a strong possibility.
Camp has had his injury problems at the Cardiff City Stadium and has since fallen down the pecking order under Neil Warnock. He is therefore free to leave on loan to aid his recovery and gain more minutes, and Sunderland are prepared to offer than to the former Rotherham United stopper. Fletcher has struggled for game time since Tony Pulis replaced Garry Monk as head coach at Middlesbrough. He too is able to go, with Pulis possibly targeting forward replacements for him.
33-year-old Camp boosts a wealth of EFL experience, especially against battling against relegation. He’d be a great asset in the dressing room for sure. Fletcher, just 22, made a big-money move to the Riverside Stadium just last summer, but has failed to live up to that price tag. A move to Sunderland, which would also suit geographically, may be beneficial to all concerned parties.
