SAFC TransferWipe: Has Big Sam bid for Sunderland defender? Moyes monitoring pair; Januzaj Stays

BSA Bids For PVA

The Telegraph say Crystal Palace have made a bid of £7m for Sunderland left-back Patrick van Aanholt. New Eagles boss, Sam Allardyce, has supposedly made the Dutchman one of his top targets in the January transfer window.

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However, Big Sam this morning confirmed he has made bids for "three or four" defenders already as he seeks to shore up a rear-guard which has conceded as many goals as the Sunderland side in which van Aanholt has operated this season.

With the Dutchman enjoying a doubly-important position at the Stadium of Light, David Moyes will almost certainly reject this initial bid. Because, Patrick van Aanholt remains Sunderland's sole senior left-back and is the club's joint second top-scorer - an offer of nearer £10m will surely be required to tempt Sunderland into talks.

Moyes Linked With Robbie Brady Again

Speaking of left-footed personnel, Sunderland are one of a trio of clubs said to be readying a swoop for Norwich midfielder, Robbie Brady.

It was of course the Republic of Ireland international who made that advertising hoarding-buster of a tackle at Carrow Road last season which sparked that touchline brawl.

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Big Sam's Palace and Burnley are the other two Premier League outfits said to be monitoring the situation. Norwich are in a similar predicament to Sunderland as they must sell before they can buy to reignite a promotion campaign which was stalled due to some hit and miss results this season.

Indeed, David Moyes has been linked with Robbie Brady since last summer, but his £13m price tag may prove to be a stumbling block for the Sunderland boss.

Everton Pair Linked

No sooner had Sunderland been linked with Tom Cleverly this morning, than the Everton midfielder was whisked down to London for a medical with Watford. The good news - for Hornets fans - is that he passed it and confirmation of the deal is expected at any minute.

But, Cleverley's soon-to-be former team-mate, James McCarthy, seems to remain on Moyes' radar. The Republic of Ireland international is now firmly on the 'surplus to requirements' list at Goodison Park after Everton appear to have landed Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United.

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The midfielder has had plenty of interest to take him on loan for the rest of the season, but according to the Liverpool Echo, Everton remain insistent on a cash offer for the 26-year-old.

Moyes would have to break Sunderland's transfer record in order for Ronald Koeman to be swayed into letting McCarthy go. £15m would do the trick - if Ellis Short has any loose change down the side of his sofa.

Januzaj’s Agent Dampens Move Talk

Adnan Januzaj has been linked with a move to French outfit, Lyon, in recent days. The terms of his loan agreement to Sunderland most likely prevent a mid-season recall but that has not dampened French enthusiasm at the prospect of the Manchester United man moving to Ligue 1 in the January window.

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But the Belgian's agent has been quick to dismiss the speculation, possibly on the advice of the Red Devils:

Lyon is one of the many French clubs who have recently listened to the plans of Adnan. Out of respect we listen to anyone. Anyway, the ultimate decision must be taken by Manchester United, and they have not said they want to sell Adnan. Adnan feels good at Sunderland.

And Januzaj has begun to establish himself as a player who looks capable of performing consistently as his spell at Sunderland progresses. The 21-year-old started the season poorly and then suffered an ankle injury.

But he has shown what he can do since his return to the squad in November. Notably he gave a good account of himself in recent home fixtures against Watford and Liverpool and has performed in flashes during other games. Adnan Januzaj surely has a way to go yet to convince Manchester United he is worthy of a return to Old Trafford next season. A sale in the summer still looks likely for the Belgian.