Mick: Cabanas could happen
By Nick Alexander
Mick McCarthy says Ricardo Cabanas is interested in signing for Sunderland.
The Black Cats boss held talks with the Swiss international midfielder on Wearside last week and a deal could happen.
McCarthy confirmed: "He came over and we had a chat to him and his representatives. He's a very good Swiss midfield player who can do a number of jobs in the midfielder.
"He played against us [Ireland] three years ago and Dave Bowman [Sunderland's chief scout] watched both of Ireland's games against the Swiss in the last [World Cup] qualifying.
"Ricardo wants to move to the Premiership and I've had a chat to him about a possible move."
Cabanas, 26, told McCarthy that Sunderland's precarious position in the Premiership would not deter him from moving to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats boss said: "One of my questions was what happens if we're not in the Premiership, what will your feelings be then, and he reiterated what we all think if the worst happens.
"That if we stuck together and no-one wants to leave he'd be more than happy to try to fight his way back into the Premiership."
McCarthy says the two parties are still talking over the deal, which would have to be completed before the transfer window closes at the end of January.
"We'll see," said McCarthy. "There's a lot to be done. It's not easy these days. It's just contractual things. It was early in terms of talks but very amicable."
Cabanas captains Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland and is a right-sided attacking midfielder. He can also play in the middle of the park.
McCarthy, meanwhile, says there is no truth in reports that he wants to sign West Brom's Riccardo Scimeca.
"Ricardo Scimica was a bolt from the blue," admitted McCarthy. "I was asked about him by his representative and I said it wasn't the case. He's a holding midfield player and I've got Christian Bassila."
Quelle: Offiziele Sunderland Homepage http://www.safc.com