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Alfred N'Diaye is not featuring in Sunderland's plans for the rest of the season, despite Eskisehirspor being hopeful of terminating the midfielder's loan deal.
The popular Senegal international was a surprise summer departure from the Stadium of Light, with many fans disappointed to see him cast aside so soon after his mid-season move. It would be fair to say that he was the only Sunderland midfield player to come out of the second half of last season with any credit at all.
But whilst N'Diaye's immediate future doesn't seem to lie in Turkey, it appears that Seville remains his destination, not Sunderland, with Real Betis hopeful of taking over the terms of his loan deal. Poyet told the Evening Chronicle:
It is a situation which, if everybody agrees and it is good for everyone, then we will be happy to help him.
However, I don't think it is done yet.
The club [Eskisehirspor] might be struggling to pay him, they might not want him or the player does not want to be there.
They are talking [with Real Betis] because they probably want to do it.
Much as I love Alfie, it is tough to see how he would fit into a Gus Poyet system right now. The deepest midfield position would look like the only one for which he'd be suitable, and Brighton's Liam Bridcutt looks destined to fight it out with Lee Cattermole for the role.
I'm not sure N'Diaye has the all-round game to play further up the pitch in this system. It's a shame, but N'Diaye doesn't look to have any kind of a future at Sunderland. If it's for the greater good, we'll probably get over it quickly.
