Bad boy Fraizer Campbell is set to join Sunderland after
the European Under-21 Championship in Sweden. The Manchester United
striker, who was sent off for two yellow card offences in Friday's
semi-final win over the hosts, will be one of new boss Steve
Bruce's key summer signings as he bids to add some pace and power
to his squad.
Bruce has been monitoring emerging England stars and as well as
signing Campbell for £7million, he is also keen to recruit
tenacious midfielder Lee Cattermole. Cattermole earned a reputation
as one of the most resolute midfielders in the Premier League last
season.
Ironically, Cattermole was offered a place by Sunderland when he
was 16. However, the youngster from Stockton-onTees decided to
spend an extra year at school and then signed for Boro, his local
club.
Campbell has had a string of clubs pursuing him - including Hull
who had him on an extended loan last season.
Last week the Tigers seemed to move into pole position in the
pursuit of Campbell. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has accepted the
youngster will not emerge as a first-team player at Old
Trafford.
United offered Campbell to Wigan as a makeweight in their
pursuit of winger Antonio Valencia.
However, United old boy Bruce believes he can push Sunderland
into the lead of the Campbell chase.
Campbell, 21, has pace and and a sharp eye for goal, but his
lack of self-discipline was evident on Friday night.
Campbell had entered the fray as a second-half substitute for
Gabriel Agbonlahor.
But his aggressive challenges saw him spark ugly scenes with
opposing players and made his eventual dismissal by Turkish referee
Cuneyt Cakir seemingly inevitable.
Campbell will be ineligible for tomorrow's Final, but he knows
his club future will be mapped out quickly on his return to England
this week.
Bruce is not the only Premier League manager taking a keen
interest in the development of the Under-21 squad.
Given that Campbell spent last season on loan at Hull, only
three of the entire England squad play for clubs from the big
four.
Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs are with Arsenal, while Chelsea
youngster Michael Mancienne is one of the defenders in Stuart
Pearce's title-chasing squad.
