League One Sunderland were linked with a move for Fleetwood Town’s Sheffield United loanee Ched Evans during the January transfer window.
Sunderland made an approach to sign Ched Evans during the January transfer window, according to Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton.
Before finally snapping up Wigan Athletic’s Will Grigg in the final few minutes of transfer deadline day, the Black Cats were scouring the market for potential alternatives with Evans one of those under consideration.
The former Manchester City youngster is on loan at Fleetwood from Sheffield United and has impressed in League One, scoring 11 goals in 25 games for the Cod Army.
And, in quotes reported by the Blackpool Gazette, Barton has admitted that he feared losing Evans amid interest from the Wearsiders.
“When Sunderland were in for Ched, our hands were tied because he is not our player. You can understand the parent club wanting to sell the player; as difficult as that was, we were powerless over it,” said the former Newcastle United midfielder.
“The aftermath – once that passed and Sunderland fell out of the race or decided not to go for him at 11pm that evening – is there was no recall option.”
Barton’s account of the events on deadline day was backed up by Sunderland owner Stewart Donald as he spoke to the Roker Rapport podcast on Monday.
Donald admitted that he had asked Sheffield United about a potential deal for Evans, only for manager Jack Ross to decide that the Welshman was not the right fit.
The Black Cats got a timely stroke of luck, however, as they snapped up Grigg at the sixth time of asking when Wigan accepted their £4 million bid (BBC).
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