That features in this week’s North East Notes.
As does the next move for a Middlesbrough curveball signing from the past. And Jason Tindall’s reaction to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United plan which could yet have an impact on Newcastle.
STRIKER ‘LIKED THE IDEA’ OF SUNDERLAND MOVE
Matija Frigan was one of the strikers on Sunderland’s radar in the January transfer window.
The Black Cats held talks with Westerlo, with some reports in Belgium at the time claiming a deal was on the verge of being agreed, though the Northern Echo reported at the time that it was never that advanced.
Frigan ended up staying put, though he has now revealed he was keen on the idea of joining Sunderland.
“I think it was serious,” said the Croatian striker in an interview in his homeland.
“I don’t worry about it. I’ve people who follow it, but I’d heard at the club that it’s being talked about.
“I liked the idea, but when it didn’t go through, I put it out of my mind the next morning.”
Frigan has scored 11 goals and has three assists to his name in the Belgian top flight this season, and while his current contract runs until 2028 he’s likely to be the subject of further transfer speculation at the end of the season.
He said: “The summer is coming, maybe a new opportunity, but I have a solid contract, the club decides everything.
FORMER MIDDLESBROUGH TRANSFER PUNT TURNS DOWN SCOTTISH GIANTS
Back in 2021, then-Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock took a punt on a non-league attacker after a tip-off from a long-time contact.
The same contact recommended Ciaran Brown to Warnock when he was in charge of Cardiff City, with the defender, signed from Wealdstone, going on to establish himself with the Bluebirds and become a Northern Ireland international.
With that success in mind, when Warnock was nudged in the direction of Toyosi Olusanya, he was keen to give the Billericay Town forward a try.
“When I saw these clips of him, I just love exciting players,” said Warnock at the time.
“That’s what we pay money to watch as a supporter. You want to watch these people and that’s where I see him.
“Straight away I watched clips. I asked them could they send me some of his bad clips as well but I’m sure I’ll find them.
“I didn’t want to ask the club to spend x amount or this amount. The lad’s for nothing really so I thought why not? We’re not going to lose anything. It’s a great opportunity for him and hopefully he’ll have a good few years.”
Olusanya went on to make three substitute appearances for Boro’s senior side but didn’t feature in the plans of Chris Wilder after Warnock’s exit, and went on to leave for St Mirren.
Olusanya has been with the Buddies for three years but it’s only this season he’s really established himself as first choice. But his form this term and eight goals sparked transfer interest, with Rangers and Derby among the clubs linked as the 27-year-old approached the end of his contract this summer.
However, rather than leave on a free at the end of the season, Olusanya is now set to land a lucrative move to the MLS to join Houston Dynamo, who will reportedly pat a six-figure fee to sign the former Boro man immediately rather than wait until the summer.
St Mirren were keep on keeping Olusanya but boss Stephen Robinson admitted they couldn’t compete with the clubs who were interested.
He said: “There’s only a certain level this club can go to. That’s just the reality.”
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAN DOESN’T CONCERN TINDALL
Ruben Amorim is ready to play some of the kids as Manchester United’s quest for Europa League glory takes precedence over Premier League matters.
Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle left them 14th in the standings and guaranteed that this would be the Red Devils’ worst campaign of the Premier League era.
But the Europa League offers a chance to salvage their season, with Thursday’s jaw-dropping 5-4 quarter-final win against Lyon setting up a semi-final date against Athletic Bilbao.
United still have to play Chelsea and Aston Villa, so could Newcastle’s Champions League rivals gain an advantage if Amorim is playing a weakened team?
Jason Tindall isn’t remotely concerned about that prospect.
He said: “We’re not in control of what Manchester United do or what any other team does. Our future lies in our own hands and what we deliver – we can’t rely on any other results.
“The only focus we can have is what we do and what we deliver on the pitch. And if we deliver the performances we know we can, then we know we can beat anyone. And that’s the most important thing.”
