Sunderland midfielder ready for Midlands return
With the 25 year-old suffering from terrible homesickness, the Sunderland career of Craig Gardner looks to be very short-lived as the midfielder could complete a January move to West Brom in order to be closer to home.
Solihull-born Gardner moved to the North-East during the summer for a fee of £6m and despite the club’s resurgence under Martin O’Neill, it seems the Northern Irishman will inevitably lose out on the former Under-21 playmaker.
Gardner has been used in a utility role as of late and has seen himself being utilized as a right back at points this season, managing to score from the position.
The central midfielder has only ever played for Aston Villa and Birmingham aver the course of his career, making his move to the Black Cats his first club outside of the West Midlands.
Given the North East outfit’s recent progress under O’Neill, the team look to be on their way to beating West Brom in regards to Premier League position at the end of the season but that doesn’t seem to be enough to keep Gardner at the Stadium of Light.
Recent reports state that the Baggies have posted profits of £9m for the financial year ending 2011 and are reportedly willing to devote a large chunk of that cash to transfer signings.
Amongst reports that Nicky Maynard is on his way to Hawthorns, Garnder would also be a valuable acquisition for the side, providing the presence of a tenacious and proven Premier League talent.
Sunderland won’t be keen on losing out on the player they signed barely six months ago, however the side may be forced to let Gardner go for a fee of around £4m if his wishes to leave remain.
