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With the Italian press breaking the news last night that we are set to sign Inter Milan playmaker Ricky Alvarez on a season long loan, and more links today to Celtic defender Virgil Van Dijk - presumably available with the Scottish side missing out on Champions League football - Gus Poyet has told Sunderland fans that we are "going to be surprised".
"We’re moving, we’re moving very fast because it’s getting close. I’m confident we’ll be doing something. You’re going to be surprised."
Skysports News last night were claiming that we were hoping to make three signings before close of play, and there is a case to be argued that we still need to bring in players at centre half, central midfield and in attack, so their claim would seem to make sense.
Last season's run to the cup final was unquestionably aided by the large amount of home draws we were gifted, and Gus is glad we'll be back at the Stadium of Light for the next round tie against Stoke City in just under four weeks time.
He said:
"I think it’s always better at home. Of course you want a smaller team, but it’s not always possible. It will be tough. It’s a good tie, it’s going to be interesting."
Stoke convincingly eased past Portsmouth last night at the Britannia Stadium with a 3-0 win - their squad this season is noticeably stronger and, even after making a whole host of changes, still fielded what I'd consider a strong side.
