Sensational ace have completed his medical at Sunderland after signing a world club record deal
New Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris is on the lookout for experience and the 29-year-old fits the bill having made 412 appearances for the club for Preston over a decade.
Alan Browne is to undergo a medical at Sunderland having severed his ties with fellow Championship outfit Preston North End.
New Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris is on the lookout for experience and the 29-year-old fits the bill having made 412 appearances for Preston for over a decade.
The Ireland midfielder graduated to club captain after moving from Cork City but recently parted ways after his contract expired without an agreement being reached on fresh terms.
His availability alerted a number of Championship clubs, including Coventry City and promoted Turkish top-flight outfit Göztepe, but the Corkman has visited the north-east in recent days.
Frenchman Le Bris is seeking experience to bolster his midfield after losing Northern Ireland veteran Cory Evans.
He said: “We are thinking about one or two more experienced players, who know the Championship very well, for example, and have high standards when it comes to training.
“They can help dictate the way of playing and lead the team during the game. These kind of players could be young or could be older.”
Last week Preston boss Ryan Lowe summarised the contribution of Browne to the club’s cause, stressing it was his decision to seek pastures new.
He said: “What I will say is that he’s been a fantastic servant for the football club – 400 plus [appearances]. We were planning with and without him, in terms of transfers. He was a fantastic character around the place, a fantastic leader – and he did an unbelievable job for Preston North End.
“But, we have to look further now and go past it. He has decided for a new challenge, which I as the manager ultimately respect – for him and his family. We wish him all the best for wherever he goes.
“Hopefully there is another one who can get into that 400 club in years to come, whether it’s a new signing or a player who’s already here.”
The Black Cats have one of the youngest sides in the Championship and there were times last season that they felt the issues that can bring.
Whilst there is loads of potential within Sunderland’s ranks, they can lack a bit of maturity and game management and having an experienced head or two there to calm things down was definitely missed last season.
Browne, 29, played over 400 games for Preston North End before becoming a free agent earlier this month.
The central midfielder contributed to goals and assists at Deepdale and was a regular part of their team for a decade.
Sunderland were linked with a move to Browne earlier today with the Sunderland Echo claiming talks had been held.
Now, Graham has elaborated. He claims Browne is keen on a move to the north east and he is willing to take a pay cut to join Sunderland this summer.
