Sunderland eye Birmingham defender Dann

Jul 3 2011 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

SUNDERLAND are set to turn their attentions to Birmingham City defender Scott Dann, should they miss out on Wes Brown and John O’Shea.

The Black Cats have already had a £12 million joint-bid for the Manchester United pair – and midfielder Darron Gibson – accepted by the Old Trafford outfit.

But agreeing terms with the trio has proved less straightforward.

The Sunday Sun understands Arsenal and Celtic are now lining up moves for O’Shea, while Stoke City are interested in Brown – who is known to favour staying nearer the North West.

Steve Bruce is believed to have enquired about Dann during negotiations to sign Craig Gardner from the Blues last week.

However, Sunderland could face competition from Chelsea and Arsenal for the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, Gardner has hit back at Birmingham fans accusing him of turning his back on the club following relegation.

And revealed he is looking forward to a “new challenge” following his £6 million move to the Stadium of Light.

He said: “I’m looking forward now to a new challenge at Sunderland and to building on my success of last season.

“I will always be grateful to the Blues and the club will always have a special place in my heart.

“At the end of the season I had an open mind about my future, and I was prepared to commit myself further to the club.

“However, everybody is aware of the financial cost for any club that is relegated and Blues made it clear they were not in a position to renew or improve my contract, despite the successful season I’d had on a personal front.