(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Although Onyewu has had an unsuccessful spell at Newcastle before, I think he has developed into a better player during his time at Standard Liege, and should definitely be considered as a potential signing for Sunderland.
Having already won two league championships with Standard, Onyewu would probably be open to a second chance in the English Premier League. Also, the EPL has effectively kicked out racism from the stadiums, which might be an important factor, considering he was the victim of a racist insult during a recent match against Anderlecht.
If Onyewu proves impossible to sign, then perhaps Steve Bruce could set his sights a little lower and go for Abdoulaye Meite.
Strong, quick, and good in the air, Meite would also be a good partner for Ferdinand.
However, he does show an occasional lack of concentration which can lead to disastrous consequences.
Nevertheless, he is a fine defender on his day, and is definitely better than the other options Sunderland possess.
RIGHT-WINGER
Two Sunderland players are capable of playing at right-wing, and they are Steed Malbranque and Carlos Edwards.
I think a lot was expected from Steed Malbranque when his signing was announced, but if performances from last season are anything to go by, he has not been a success, and with his age, he probably will not get much better.
Carlos Edwards is even worse off, as he has not looked like a Premiership player at any point in his Sunderland career.
As such, a right-winger would be a good addition to Sunderland's team.
Jermaine Pennant comes to mind as the obvious choice for the position, as he ticks all the right boxes when one thinks of a Premiership-standard right-winger.
He is quick, skilful, and has a very good cross on him. Steve Bruce is also known to be an admirer, as he brought him in when he was in charge of Birmingham. Pennant's best form of his career so far was also at the St. Andrew's Stadium, so perhaps Steve Bruce knows how to get the most of out him.
His contract runs out at the end of the month, and Bruce would do very well to pick him up on a free transfer.
If money is not a problem for Sunderland, they could instead opt for Pedro Leon.
Leon plies his trade in Valladolid, and is being tipped for great things in future.
A very skillful player, Pedro Leon also has qualities that conventional right-wingers do not possess, such as a the vision to pick out a pass, and a decent long shot.
The drawback of signing a player from the Spanish league is the risk involved, because they might not be able to bring the same level of performance over. Josemi, Antonio Nunez and Mikel Alonso are just a few examples.
Also, being a key player in Valladolid, Sunderland might have to pay over the odds to get their man.
With Bruce being promised a decent transfer warchest this summer, there is more than just a small chance that he can tempt Pedro Leon to ditch the warmth of Spain for the bitter North-east weather.
So that's it. Those are my suggested signings for Steve Bruce's Sunderland next season. If they do get them, they won't even be close to the relegation zone.
This article and more can also be found at thetipsters, a website set up by my friend Roland and I.
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