Sunderland weighing up move for versatile German veteran
Sources suggest that Hamburg winger Marcell Jansen could be the next player to become subject to a Sunderland bid after impressing over the first half of the season.
The 26 year-old has featured for both Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich since 2004 before completing his move to Hamburg in 2008.
Since then, Jansen has become a major component in the Hamburg SV side as a proven left-sided specialist.
As well as left midfield, the maestro can operate in the more attacking role of winger or alternatively function in defence as an effective left-back.
Jansen has starred in all three positions for the German national team, making his debut in 2005 and earning 36 appearances for the side since then.
However, Joachim Low has used Jansen less and less over recent seasons and the player hasn’t featured for Die Mannschaft since October last year.
Along with his doubtless talent to create down the left-hand side, Jansen’s contract at the Imtech Arena is set to end in 18 months, making him an easier transfer target for the Black Cats.
Under Martin O’Neill, the Wearsiders are enjoying a 66% win percentage and playing well under the Northern Irishman.
With a revitalized attitude, the North East outfit will be hoping to revive their season in January and the new management team will be hoping that Jansen can help that happen.
Ellis Short has shown his commitment to the club in past transfer windows and put big money into the market, coming close to signing Freiburg sensation, Papiss Demba Cisse, over the summer.
With little sell-on value and a short contract, it’s suspected that a bid of £8m may be enough to take Jansen to the Stadium of Light, in what would be his first club venture outside of Germany.
