Sunderland edge closer to Portuguese ace
Following weeks of rumour and speculation claiming the player could be on his way to the Stadium of Light, it appears Sunderland have moved closer to signing Hugo Almeida.
The Portuguese international is supposedly unhappy with current club Besiktas after the Turkish side failed to back up promises of increased wages.
Martin O’neill is reportedly looking to take the forward on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent summer deal based on the player’s success during the temporary deal.
The Black Cats are being linked with numerous strikers including Kevin Davies and Emile Heskey after Nicklas Bendtner suffered a facial injury that is expected to keep him out of action for another month or so.
The Danish international was leading the front line before his injury but his absence leaves the North East outfit without a recognised forward with top flight experience.
Youngsters Ji Dong-Won and Connor Wickham will now fill in the slots and while Stephane Sessegnon has been in fine attacking form for the side, he’ll need a sharper forward to play off of.
Almeida has made 18 starts for Besiktas this season scoring ten goals as well as making four assists.
The 27 year-old could be tempted by the move away as it would mean guaranteed playing time in a league of higher quality, giving Almeida a good chance of proving his worth before Portugal head for Euro 2012.
