Barry Fry confirms Sunderland’s attempts to hijack move for Jason Naismith

Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland wanted to sign Jason Naismith from Ross County, but he ended up at Peterborough United.

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry has confirmed to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph that Sunderland tried to snatch Jason Naismith at the last minute, but failed with their attempts.

Posh landed Naismith from Ross County earlier this week, with the right-back opting to move to the ABAX Stadium.

Peterborough were left sweating when Sunderland made a move to sign the defender at the last moment.

But Fry says that he did everything in his power to convince Naismith to stick with Steve Evans’ side.

“He was a top target of the manager and we are delighted to get the deal over the line, especially as Sunderland and Aberdeen made late moves to prise him away from us,” Fry said.

“Jason and his father turned up at our training ground on Tuesday (June 12) at 10am and I locked the doors so he couldn’t escape. We got the deal done about 7pm.”

Sunderland missing out on Naismith is a blow, as he is believed to be one of the players Jack Ross had identified as an important target.

Naismith was one of the stand out players in Scotland last term, and Ross has been keen to bring players from north of the border to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have still not made a signing this summer, as they seem to be focusing on offloading players first.

The Black Cats are having to significantly reduce their wage bill after relegation, with Ross tasked with overhauling their squad.