Sunderland's Sbragia Seeks Defenders With English Experience - But Not Davenport

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Sunderland caretaker Ricky Sbragia

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As he looks to trim and tailor his unwieldy Sunderland squad to his specific needs, Ricky Sbragia has revealed that he is on the look-out for defensive reinforcements. However, he has asserted that he will not be rushed into buying players for the sake of it, and would prefer to sign domestically-based players who are likely to settle in more quickly.

West Ham United's Calum Davenport had been the rumoured subject of interest from Sbragia, but he denies that a bid has been made for the player.

"I have heard the speculation, but I have not shown any interest in Calum Davenport," Sbragia told The Newcastle Chronicle.

"We have feelers out for two players but we have just lost one. I have players coming back from injury, though, and I will not be held to ransom."

The Italian-Scot also feels that a British based player would be preferable, simply because a foreigner would need time to settle at the club. Sunderland, who are facing a relegation battle, do not have much time.

"When I was a coach there were two things I made my mind up about," Sbragia explained.

"One was if ever I was caretaker-manager then I would never say I wanted the job full-time, because you see lots of caretakers do that.

"The other thing was that if I was going to sign players then I needed to know everything about them and their background. I would never take a gamble and pay a lot of money for a player, not knowing his background outside the game. That could be a problem. I need to see a player play three or four times.

"I wil not go for a foreigner because it takes them time to bed in. That is for the summer, not now."

One target who does fit the bill is Manchester City's out-of-favour centre-back Tal Ben Haim, who, although Israeli, does have considerable Premier League experience and did work with Sbragia at Bolton Wanderers.

However, Ben Haim's agent, Pini Zahavi, claims that his client is happy staying put.

"It is not a burning matter. Tal has no worries and he is very happy at City," the agent confirmed earlier.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com