Not only had our Boys a fantastic World Cup, but the watching football scouts had their decisions made for them a bit easier. Already the Intertoto Cup preliminary rounds have started, but with a little over seven weeks to go until the full English domestic season kicks off, there’s still some buying and selling to be done.
Gary Breen is a free agent, and was a free agent even before the World Cup 2002 begun when he took the risk of refusing McAllister’s offer to keep him at Coventry. And it looks to have paid off. West Ham, Southampton, Bolton and even "Barcelona" were the interested parties. But always in the background was David Moyes' Everton, and it looks likely that Breen will sign for the Toffees some time in the next two weeks. Here he will join Republic of Ireland team-mate Lee Carsley.
Sunderland Midfielder, Thomas Butler (Republic of Ireland U21) may move from Wearside shortly. The 21-year-old Ballymun man has mostly reserve appearances for the Black Cats. That was until the last six months when he played in the first team, with great displays against Liverpool and West Ham. Butlers contract is due for renewal end of June, and he has advised his Wearside Peers that he 'will' move on if he does not get first team football on a regular basis. Sunderland would be mad to let him go, as he may get the chance with the Senior Irish team soon. Mick has had his scouts watching Butler on occasions last season, 01-02'
Damien Duff staying at Blackburn? Well again it’s in the press that Rovers may accept the cash/swap transfer to bring Yorke to Ewood, and the Duffer to Old Trafford. Souness is still committed to getting Yorke and Cole back together in a striking partnership. As far as a price tag on Duffer is concerned, you may possibly look at GBP£12mil, at a minimum. Is it worth the swap?
Now Sunderland already has quite a few Irish-men at the Stadium of Light. Senior players such as J.McAteer, Quinny, Kilbane and the recently signed Babb. Gary Kelly has still not gone to Wearside, yet, but apparently his advisors went to Korea to finalise some details with the man himself. Tranmere's Sean Thornton (Republic of Ireland U18) is also due to come to Wearside at the end of his contract, June 2002. This one is apparently due to go to a FA tribunal, as the player was connected with the club before the end of his contract. With another handful of Republic of Ireland U21/U18 representatives, such as Cifford, Cliff Byrne, Graydon, Capper and Lacey, Mc Gill and Reddy, there are yet again two more Irish boys linked to Peter Reid’s club. Keano , (theres only 1), Robbie, has been linked again although he made a statement on June 19 stating he was happy to stay at Elland Road. And our other Irish man now being linked with Wearside is no other that Wimbledon centre back, Kenny Cunningham in a deal thought to be worth GBP£800,000. Reid has adequate cover in the centre of his defence, so it may be that if Cunningham goes to Sunderland he would be cover for the R.H.S. of defence.
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