Reyna next through the 'out' door?

There's speculation today that 'Captain America', Claudio Reyna could be one of the next players to use the Stadium of Light exit door, which all of a sudden is seeing a bit of action after weeks of nothingness.

Today's Evening Gazette reports that Reyna is in talks with Blackburn Rovers about a possible £3m switch to the north-west team who ironically have just returned from a 10 day training camp in the United States.

Chief Executive John Williams said recently, "Graeme Souness has already taken steps to strengthen the team, and you can expect to see further new faces before the new season."

Rovers opened talkslast week with Milwall midfielder Stephen Reid about a move to Ewood Park - another deal rumoured to be worth around £3m - but Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth have made an equivalent offer and are hoping to sign the Eire youngster. Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric wouldn't be drawn on the matter, saying last Friday "We'll be working over the weekend, talking to a player, and will hopefully have some good news on Monday." Could it be that Reid has been diverted to Fratton Park and Blackburn are looking at Reyna as a replacement?

Sunderland close in on Healy

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that signing Celtic midfielder Colin Healy is still possible, and an option he wants to pursue - and imminent departure of keeper Thomas Sørensen to Aston Villa might help speed Healy's move to us.

Today's Journal reports that Villa chairman Doug Ellis hopes to secure Sørensen today or tomorrow, which would enable him to link up with his new colleagues on their pre-season tour of Scandinavia.

Sørensen, 27, signed for Sunderland shortly after our previous relegation to the first division in 1997 and has made 171 appearances for us, his place as a Sunderland legend secured on 18th November 2000 when he prevented Alan Shearer from equalising with a penalty, giving Sunderland a 2-1 victory on the Mags' own home turf for the second year running.

Gavin McCann signed for David O'Leary only last week for £2.25m, and Mick McCarthy hopes that additional funds from the sale of our Danish keeper - once classed as one of Sunderland's "crown jewels" - will bring the signing of Healy a step closer.

"If I can bring players in he is one I am very interested in. He knows that, he's aware of that, he's a free agent.

Cardiff City have reportedly offered 23 year old Healy a trial at Ninian Park, but as we told you yesterday, Healy has already told his agent that the Stadium of Light is his destination of choice next season, working for his old international gaffer. However one or two more sales, even after that of Sorensen, might still be necessary before McCarthy can strengthen his squad.

Mick continued, "There are a number of players who were put on the list - there is interest, but nobody has come in with a solid offer yet. I would love to sign Colin Healy, that's no secret.

"That one is not finished."