<<Print>>

The Black Cats manager has declined to talk about the possible arrival of his major transfer target to avoid issues.

Sunderland coach Sam Allardyce has refused to comment on the reported move of Ghana and Swansea City midfielder Andre Ayew to the Stadium of Light.

Ayew, 26, has been linked with a transfer to the Black Cats over the few weeks, with reports suggesting that Sunderland are prepared to offer Fabio Borini and cash as a makeweight to lure Swansea to release Ayew.

“I can’t speculate on that [Ayew's transfer]. Saying I’m willing to use Fabio would upset Fabio. Saying that Ayew is definitely someone I want for this club means that Swansea could say I have upset this player by saying that I actually want him,” Allardyce told reporters ahead of the weekend's clash with Bournemouth.

“If you look at past history, I think David O’Leary was probably the first to be punished for doing something like that. I don’t like anybody taking my money off me,” he added.

 
Sunderland, who currently lie 19th on the log with 18 points, have recently signed Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye in their fight to escape relegation.