According to a recent report by Express, Leeds United custodian, Andy Lonergan, is set to make a move to the ranks of Sunderland after having agreed a contract but Leeds will only let him leave if they are able to get in a replacement. The Black Cats have used Jason Steele and Robbin Ruiter to meet their goalkeeping needs so far this season but these two have hardly met the expectations. Thus, Chris Coleman is interested to lure Lonergan to the Stadium of Light.
The 34-year-old stopper moved to Elland Road for a second spell with Leeds United in the summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, he has fallen behind Felix Wiedwald in the pecking order under the stewardship of Thomas Christiansen. His last league appearance was in Leeds United’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Wolves back in November. So far this season, he has been handed just 7 starts in the Championship.
Coleman’s side do need a decent goalkeeper and considering that Lonergan might not get enough game time under his belt at Leeds United, a move to Sunderland might be a tempting one for him. He is a proven player in the Championship and has tons of experience under his belt.
As mentioned earlier, it is believed that Christiansen would strike Lonergan off his books only if a suitable replacement for him is found. However, the Peacocks might have to sanction his move if he indeed pushes to complete this transfer. Besides, it has to be noted that the former Fulham goalkeeper shares a good bond with Sunderland’s assistant manager, Kit Symons, who brought him to Fulham from Bolton Wanderers in 2015.
As a pro-active measure for the worst-case scenario, Leeds United have put Liverpool’s Adam Bogdan on their radar for a loan deal, according to Express. Bogdan is behind Simon Mignolet, Loris Karius and Danny Ward at Liverpool and he has not featured in a senior game since November 2016 when he suffered a serious knee injury while he was out on loan with Wigan Athletic.
The Hungarian international made his mark in English football during his time with Bolton but ever since his move to Anfield in the summer of 2015, his career has seen a downward trajectory. His stature under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp is that of a complete outcast but he is still a solid goalkeeper and could replace Lonergan if the latter leaves.
