Irons respond to player moves speculation

The James Collins for Sunderland rumour has re-emerged in one national newspaper this morning and it has more credibility than the other – and perhaps oldest chestnut in football.

Over the weekend one Tyneside paper was suggesting that Andy Carroll was a nailed-on bet to return to Newcastle – which given that he has made just a couple of starting appearances for  us is a bit premature to put it mildly.

It seems very unlikely – even given that that there’s any interest – a buying team would move in until the player had proved himself over a run of games and our sources continue to insist there isn’t.

Once again we checked it out and were told: “Andy remains an important member of the squad and there has never been any sort of inquiry.”

Collins, however, with Sam Allardyce desperate for defensive reinforcements and know the player is on a free is likely to make a move for the 32 year at a knock down fee along, possibly, with Joey O’Brien.

Once again there has been no inquiry according to out inside sources but we were told: “We are open to negotiations .”