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Sunderland’s links with Birmingham City’s Tomasz Kuszczak reflect doomed pursuit of first-choice targets

Preston North End manager Simon Grayson (REUTERS)
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After attempts to sign Eldin Jakupovic and Sam Johnstone, Sunderland are reported to have turned their attention towards Birmingham City’s Tomasz Kuszczak.

Tomasz Kuszczak boasts a CV most goalkeepers could only dream of.

During five years as a stable back-up option to Edwin Van der Sar at Manchester United, the Polish international won four Premier League titles, three Community Shields, two League Cups, the 2008 Champions League and the Club World Cup a few months later.

Nonetheless, that does not means his signing would get Sunderland supporter’s pulses racing.

(L-R) Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Carrick, John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher celebrate victoryKuszczak (second left) won plenty of silverware at Old Trafford

Birmingham Vital Football News claim that new Black Cats boss Simon Grayson is keen to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer after Jordan Pickford became the most expensive shot-stopper in English football history when joining Everton for £30 million.

35-year-old Kuszczak was the undisputed number one for Birmingham last season but with Harry Redknapp pulling off a major coup by luring David Stockdale from Brighton, despite The Seagulls earning promotion to the Premier League, the veteran’s days in the starting XI appear numbered.

Furthermore, although he has two years remaining on his contract, Kuszczak could be available for around £500,000 – a fee that reportedly makes him a tempting proposition for a Sunderland side ravaged by debt.

However, it’s tempting to believe reports linking the former West Brom keeper to Wearside is a result of Sunderland failing to land a number of their top targets.

Last resort?

Sky Sports claimed they were keen to sign Eldin Jakupovic, who stood out for Hull City last season despite being unable to keep them in the Premier League. Two months later, however, the penalty-saving specialist remains at the KCom despite the BBC claiming Leicester City were close to a deal.

Hull City's Eldin Jakupovic celebrates after the game Eldin Jakupovic’s future is still uncertain

And it also appears that Manchester United prospect Sam Johnstone, who was linked with The Black Cats by the Daily Mail, may be beyond their reach.

The Express report that there is plenty of Premier League interest with Leicester, Huddersfield Town and West Brom chasing the 24-year-old.

Kuszczak, therefore, has the feel of a last resort.