Swedish star attracting serious Sunderland interest
After a prolific start to the 2011-12 Eredivisie season, Ola Toivenen is looking almost certain to become the subject of a heap of Premier League interest, with Sunderland leading the march on his signature.
The 25 year-old has scored ten goals in 17 starts for PSV Eindhoven, and while there are ‘bigger’ English clubs rumoured to be after his signature, Martin O’Neill is keen to add the attacking midfielder to his ranks before any of his rivals can pounce.
Toivenen has impressed on an international level also and become an integral part of the Swedish international squad and has made over 15 appearances for his country.
O’Neill has turned the luck of the Black Cats around since taking over the reins at the club, and Ellis Short is set to reward his manager with available funds for January transfers that will be used to strengthen the depth of the North East outfit.
Finances will be needed also, as PSV currently value their star at £8.5m and will need Sunderland to meet that sum in full if they are to even consider letting their star Swede leave the Dutch side.
Despite his impressive goal tally from midfield, Toivenen has also made a name for himself as a powerful playmaker with the potential to create goals, and was a main feature of the side’s Europa League run.
Toivenen fits the bill for what O’Neill needs this season as the 25 year-old can also feature in the more offensive role of striker; something the English side could use with only Nicklas Bendtner and Ji Dong-Won playing as recognised forwards in the team.
Stephane Sessegnon has filled in as an attacker and done a magnificent job doing so while Connor Wickham has also played his part in offence, however reinforcements will be necessary especially when considering that Bendtner is only at the club until the summer.
Although the Eredivisie is of a significantly lower standard compared to the Premier League, Toivenen has proven himself to be a standout star of the division, and could be a promising attacker should he complete a £8.5m switch to play a part in Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland revolution.
