SAFC Paper Talk #2

Grant Holt is the name being linked with Sunderland by the press today after the forward handed in a transfer request at Norwich.

The 31 year-old was the Premier League's second-highest English goalscorer last season, only Wayne Rooney bettering his tally of 17.

However, the former Shrewsbury and Nottingham Forest forward yesterday made the surprise move of handing in a transfer request to the Carrow Road club.

The request was virtually immediately quashed but that has not stopped the papers linking Holt with the Black Cats as well as manager-less Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill has been vocal in his desire for a big forward and Holt would certainly fit that bill.

Another man being linked with a move to Wearside is Manchester City winger, Adam Johnson.

The former Middlesbrough winger, born in Stockton, helped City to the Premier League title six days ago, however Roberto Mancini is keen to add another winger.

Johnson has been marginalized at City in recent times and could well be looking to leave in order to increase his playing time and improve his England chances.

Whether or not Sunderland would be able to meet the 24 year-old's wage demands or not would be a major stumbling block.