A Mackems scout was spotted at Austria’s friendly defeat to the Netherlands.
Allardyce has had his scouts watching Das Team
According to the Sunderland Echo, a Mackems scout ran the rule over Austria’s friendly defeat to the Netherlands on Saturday.
The focus of Gordon Chisholm’s attention is said to have been a pair of Austrian centre-backs – Martin Hinteregger and Aleksandar Dragovic.
This is apparently not the first time that Sam Allardyce has sent his staff to check on Das Team. So could they have other targets in mind?
3) Marc Janko
The well-travelled striker scored 20 goals last term
Sunderland have had a striker clear-out this summer, with only Jermain Defoe and Fabio Borini left at the Stadium of Light. At 6ft 5, Janko would be a welcome alternative to the pair of them, and with a year left on his Basel contract he’s unlikely to cost the earth. However, there is one obvious drawback – he turns 33 this month.
2) Marko Arnautovic
Arnautovic’s Stoke future is currently uncertain
Yet to sign a new contract at Stoke City, Arnautovic could be moved on as his existing deal enters its final 12 months. The winger has just completed his best campaign yet on these shores and would be a solid addition to the Black Cats’ attack, especially if Jeremain Lens fails to survive the summer. His buyout clause stands at a reported £12.5 million.
1) Jeffrey Bruma
Bruma tussles with Ireland striker Shane Long
While their presence may have been noted at a number of Austria’s recent matches, who’s to say the Mackems weren’t checking out the Dutch instead? If it’s a new centre-back Allardyce wants he could do far worse than Bruma, who kept a clean sheet alongside Sunderland’s Patrick van Aanholt in Vienna. The former Chelsea man won his second straight Eredivisie title for PSV Eindhoven last month, though alleged interest from Wolfsburg means the Black Cats may have to act fast.
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