Lorik Cana

By The Black Cats
July 24 2009

Sunderland target Lorik Cana has flown to Amsterdam to enter talks with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce over a move to the Sunderland Stadium of Light.

Marseille skipper Lorik Cana is expected to hold talks with Sunderland boss Steve Bruce today, ahead of tonight's Amsterdam Tournament in which Sunderland face Benfica, kicking off at 6pm..

The tough-tackling midfielder flew in to Holland last night, we understand that should a medical be needed facilities will be available.

Cana celebrates his 26th birthday on Monday and Bruce is eager to make his birthday present an invitation to wearside and Premier League football.

Bruce said: "He is captain of Marseille and captain of his country – he's right up our street. I hate talking about our club's players until things are all signed and delivered – you just have to look at what happened with the Peter Crouch deal.

"So we'll just sit down with the lad and see how things progress."

Cana has a reputation as a fearsome tackler and excellent passer so would be set to become a firm fan favourite among the Sudnerland faithful.

When asked about his transfer targets Bruce said: "I had six people in mind. I have lost one of them, so I have had to look elsewhere in that sense, but generally I haven't wavered too much on the people I was after."

Sunderland have also been linked with Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh who has made no secret of his interest in moving to the Stadium of Light, being quoted yesterday saying: "I have made the wish to have a new adventure in England, and I would like that idea to happen.

"The contact which has reached advanced stages is with Sunderland."

"There is progress being made on transfers – the work going on behind the scenes is incredible," said Bruce.

"But it is a long, drawn-out process and the situation we find ourselves in is normal.

"Yes, it would be lovely to have all my signings concluded by now, but that hasn't happened so far and it is a case of keeping a cool head because I know this club and what we are trying to do with it will be an attraction."