AWOL pair moves in the balance
We reported at the weekend that there had been conflicting messages out of Turkey about Papy Djilobodji’s proposed transfer to Trabzonspor - some reports had suggested that he was due in the country on Monday to complete his move to the Super Lig club, whilst others claimed that it had fallen through due to over-the-top demands from the player’s representitives.
Obviously no move happened for the defender on Monday and unfortunately it appears as if the stories suggesting the Turkish club had pulled out and were looking elsewhere are accurate.
Haber61 reported that the move had come to a standstill due to the demands of Djilobodji and his agents, and that Trabzonspor were looking at other targets, with the caveat that they were willing to restart negotiations if Papy changed his attitude before it was too late.
Another sticking point to a potential deal with the Turkish club is that they have been nowhere near Sunderland’s valuation for the player but there are other clubs interested, notably Hannover 96, and he is expected to move on before the window closes on Friday.
Didier Ndong is in a similar situation, with demands from both agents and player making it difficult to move the player on, despite a number of clubs being interested in his services.
His move to Benfica has fallen through, with the Portugese club instead looking elsewhere as they seek to strengthen their options in the centre of the park before Friday’s deadline.
Hartley sacked
Paul Hartley has been sacked as manager of Scottish Championship side Falkirk after the team lost the opening three fixtures of their league season, culminating in a 3-0 home defeat by Queen of the South at the weekend.
Hartley had recently discussed bringing Sunderland striker Andrew Nelson back to the club after the youngster had a loan spell with the Bairns last season. That move will now be in doubt, which may be a blow to Jack Ross as he looks to send Nelson on loan to gain valuable first team experience.
Falkirk already have a number of Sunderland academy products in their ranks in the shape of Tommy Robson, Rees Greenwood and Scott Harrison.
Oviedo called up
As expected Bryan Oviedo has been called up by Costa Rica for their friendly games against South Korea and Japan on September 7 and 11 respectively.
Oviedo is a regular for the Costa Ricans and started against both Brazil and Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup and has picked up 46 caps for his country.
Despite his hefty wages for League One level, the 28-year-old is expected to remain at the club barring any substantial offers for his services before the August 31 transfer deadline.
Lista de convocados a #LaSele para los encuentros ante @theKFA y @jfa_samuraiblue .#VamosTicos ⚽ pic.twitter.com/oUUHYfzMKM
— FEDEFUTBOL Costa Rica (@fedefutbolcrc) August 28, 2018
Vergini’s Turkish Delight
Former Sunderland defender Santiago Vergini has completed his move from Argentine side Boca Juniors to Turkish Super Lig outfit Bursaspor.
The 30-year-old moves to Europe for the third time from a South American club after previously switching from Olimpia to Verona and was then at Estudiantes before his move to the Stadium of Light.
Ailemize Hoş Geldin Santiago Vergini#Bursaspor pic.twitter.com/C69nOdkl0S
— Bursaspor (@BursasporSk) August 28, 2018