SAFC Paper Talk #1

With the Premier League finished until August Vital Sunderland will be keeping you abreast of all the summer transfer rumours.

The rumour mill is already hotting up with speculation that Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Steven Pienaar could be winging his way to the Stadium of Light.

South African international Pienaar has been out-of-favour at Spurs and spent the second half of the season on-loan at Everton.

Everton would be keen to bring the midfielder back to Merseyside permanently and Pienaar himself Tweeted that he had enjoyed the 'best period' of his career since his January return.

Another target for Martin O'Neill is Crystal Palace forward, Wilfried Zaha.

The England youth international can play out wide or through the centre and has blistering pace.

With just seven goals in 60 career league starts it's clear that the 19 year-old is more suited to a wide berth.

In terms of departures, Craig Gordon has confirmed that he will be looking for new employers this summer as nothing is forthcoming from the Black Cats.

The former Hearts 'keeper is believed to be wanted by Celtic but has admitted there is nothing happening in that respect:

"There`s nothing going on (with Celtic) at the moment.

"I`m out of contract now, so it`s about seeing what offers come in and picking the best one from there really. I could stay in England or a move to Europe could appeal.' Gordon told The Sunderland Echo

Meanwhile, fellow goalkeeper Kieren Westwood has told The Coventry Telegraph that he is unhappy playing second-fiddle to Simon Mignolet.

'I'm 27 and sitting on the bench is not my cup of tea. It is not why I play football and it is the first time since I got into the team at Carlisle at 20 that I have experienced it.'

The Irishman continued:

'I keep working incredibly hard, but it is a new scenario for me and anyone who tells you they enjoy being on the bench might as well not be in football.'