Roker Round-up: Loan Bid Made? / Swede Signs

It's still quite quiet in the transfer market as far as Sunderland are concerned but we have signed a young full back and have also been linked with a move for Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson.

According to the Telegraph, we have made a £2m loan offer for Jenkinson, the report claims we are willing to cover the right back's wages in full, with the deal having no option to purchase. A deal which would suit Arsenal, as they have no intention of selling the England u-21 international.

Jenkinson spent last season on loan at West Ham, who want to keep him at Upton Park for another season. The player is thought to be happy to return to the East End but our rumoured bid will give Jenkinson and his parent club a decision to make.

A new right back will be high on Dick Advocaat's wanted list after the club made a u-turn on offering Anthony Reveillere a new contract due to our head coach wanting more attacking intent from our full backs. As well as Jenkinson, the club have been linked with moves for Sam Byram, Micah Richards and Giulio Donati.

Jenkinson had an excellent season with West Ham and with Billy Jones being somewhat injury prone, it would be a good signing but with the player and West Ham both happy to renew their loan deal, it's hard to shake off the feeling we are being used as leverage. Hopefully that is not the case and we have genuine interest in Jenkinson but personally I would prefer the club look to the future and take a chance on a younger player, like Byram, who can challenge Jones (who ended the season in good form) immediately and eventually succeed him as first choice.

Meanwhile, Swedish club AIK have confirmed that their young left back Oscar Krusnell will join Sunderland on July 1. The 16-year-old is the second Swedish youth international to join the club, following young striker Joel Asoro's move to the Academy of Light.

Krusnell, who describes himself as a pacey, attacking full back with a good left foot, was first contacted by Sunderland back in November when the club got in touch with his agent Anders Carlsson (who also represents Seb Larsson) and from there the youngster visited the club to train and even played a few games.

The left back had represented AIK at all youth levels up to u-21 and had even appeared for their first team during the Swedish pre-season.

Although we shouldn't expect to see Krusnell challenge for a first team place in the near future, it's good that the club are looking further afield for players to bring through the ranks.