Roker Roundup: Scotland international striker gives details on his failed transfer to Sunderland

McCormack on failed Sunderland move

It was revealed on the Netflix documentary Sunderland ‘Til I Die that Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack was close to signing for the club on deadline day, August 2017.

That move ended up breaking down, as Martin Bain pulled the plug thanks to the financial terms of the deal not being right:

When it came to the transfer, the financial terms were completely different from Villa’s perspective and the wrong thing to do in the transfer window is jump in and commit to a lot of money.

We don’t go out and splash cash. It’s not the thing to do.

In an interview with BBC Scotland, McCormack explained just how close he came to signing for Sunderland, with the striker saying he was actually at the Academy of Light, waiting for the go ahead:

I was literally at the training ground to sign and for money reasons - I think Aston Villa maybe wanted more than what Sunderland could pay - that was it and I went home.

Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images

Chimbonda signs for tenth tier side

Former Sunderland defender Pascal Chimbonda has continued his non-league travels by signing for tenth tier Ashton Town.

Ashton - who play in the North West Counties League Division One North - have signed the right-back on a month long contract and he will go straight into the side to play Bacup Borough on Saturday afternoon.

Chimbonda previously turned out for Market Drayton Town and Washington, as well as turning out for Blyth Spartans during pre-season. He will turn 40 next month.

Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Borini happy with Milan

Ex-Sunderland striker Fabio Borini had been linked with both Newcastle United and Shenzen FC during this transfer window but the Italian says he is happy at Milan.

Borini started and scored the opening goal in Milan’s 2-0 win at Genoa last night and speaking after the game, the 27-year-old says he was never close to a move to China but is glad of getting on the score sheet as it is nice to see hard work being rewarded:

I was never close to China, my idea was to stay at Milan. I’m happy for today and the future. This victory is crucial in light of the difficult games that await us because winning in Genoa is always complicated and put the others behind.

It’s always a bit easier after you go in front.

Goals? When you work hard and well and are repaid for it, it’s always nice.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images