Grabban suggests he knew Sunderland would get relegated before Bournemouth return

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Aston Villa star Lewis Grabban played for Sunderland in the first half of the season on loan from Bournemouth.

Aston Villa star Lewis Grabban has suggested to The Telegraph that he knew that Sunderland were going to get relegated from the Championship before he left for his parent club Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

Grabban spent the first half of the 2017-18 season on loan at Sunderland before returning to Bournemouth in the Premier League in January.

During his spell at the Stadium of Light, the 30-year-old, who can operate as a forward or as a winger, scored 12 goals in 18 Championship starts.

The former Crystal Palace attacker joined Villa on loan from the Cherries on January transfer deadline day.

Grabban has scored eight goals in 12 Championship starts for the Villans since his loan switch in the January transfer window.

While Steve Bruce’s side have progressed to the Championship playoff final, Sunderland have been relegated to League One.

Grabban told The Telegraph: “I don’t think anyone thought at the beginning of the season that Sunderland could do that.

“But everyone expected it after a certain amount of time and it didn’t look like anything was going to change.

“They’re not the first big club [to go down] and won’t be the last. Leadership from the top of the club is important, so is investment.”

Successful season

Grabban, who earns £29,000 per week as salary according to Spotrac.com, is having a successful season on a personal level.

The forward did well during his time at Sunderland, who have been relegated in spite of his goals.

The 30-year-old will be looking to score for Villa in the Championship playoff final against Fulham at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.