Advocaat targets more Sunderland signings

Sunderland found themselves stuck in the relegation zone for much of last season with Advocaat claiming the lack of competition in the side contributed to their struggles.

Lens and an unbeaten Dinamo went on to complete a domestic double. Their inability to tackle was also seen in their poor disciplinary record, as they went on to pick up 92 cards all year, of which two were reds and 95 were yellows – the worst in Premier League history. “I spent a lot of time speaking to my agent and people from the club and my first reaction was, ‘I don’t want to come back”. However, he had made a promise to his family that he would leave at the end of the season.

“Coming to Sunderland, means I can be with them again and that is important”.

And more significantly, Januzaj himself would have to agree to join Sunderland, although the 20-year-old is aware of Advocaat after the manager’s spell in charge of the Belgian national team.

“That makes it so much easier than what the club has done for the last five years”.

Sunderland forward Jeremain Lens believes that the club will thrive this season under the management of veteran boss Dick Advocaat.

There will also be slight concern for Advocaat at the other end of the pitch.

Sunderland fans, like everyone, will have been relishing the season opener – but that familiar feeling of disappointment has soon returned.

‘But it was not safe for players based in the east. I have a Dutch friend, Gregory Nelson, who was playing at Metalurh Donetsk. The young forward could be the man to add depth to Sunderland’s striking options this season.

United are keen to rubber-stamp Pedro’s proposed £20million move from Barcelona before they sanction Januzaj’s departure.

New signing Adam Matthews is also named on the bench today.

Furthermore, following the recent loan acquisition of Yann M’Villa, the midfield now appears to have a steely edge to it. In some games, particularly away from home, it may be wise to play both he and Lee Cattermole in the heart of the Black Cats’ midfield.

M’Vila was the fifth new signing to arrive at Sunderland this summer but Advocaat is still hoping to bring in more new recruits to bolster his squad.