Sunderland centre-back interests Birmingham and West Ham
Sunderland centre-back Anton Ferdinand is attracting the attention of relegated clubs Birmingham City and West Ham United and could be available for little over £3million. It is not known whether the defender, 26, would be interested in moving down to the Championship to play for either side.
It is rumoured though that Ferdinand has been unsettled after Sunderland bought former Manchester United defensive duo John O’Shea and Wes Brown and could fear for his place in the Sunderland side despite playing in the majority of the Black Cats’ games last season.
Birmingham City are interested in Ferdinand’s services after losing defensive stalwart Roger Johnson to Wolves for £7million a few days ago. Sources claim that Chris Hughton has identified Ferdinand as an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Johnson.
West Ham, on the other hand, could be interested in Ferdinand to replace Matthew Upson who left the club after his contract expired following the side’s relegation to the Championship. It is likely that Ferdinand will be more open to a move to Upton Park after spending a large proportion of his career in East London as he is a product of the Hammers’ youth academy.
Steve Bruce is likely to be keen to keep hold of Ferdinand who, at 26, has plenty of more seasons left in him. A fee as little as £3million has been purported by some sources but it would not be a surprise if at least double this is required to prise the defender from the Stadium of Light.
