Zokora open to Wearside move

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 23, 2009

Byline: STEVE BROWN

DIDIER ZOKORA would jump at the chance to join Sunderland - but the Black Cats may be put off by Tottenham's pounds 10m-plus asking price.

The Ivory Coast star signed for Spurs in an pounds 8m move from St Etienne in 2006 but has been told he is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

Two Spanish clubs have shown strong interest in the 28-year-old midfielder but, having expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League, Zokora also has at least three English clubs chasing him.

Should one of those be Sunderland, Zokora's agent Rachel Anderson believes her client would welcome the "adventure" of a move to the North East.

But she has also warned Zokora's suitors that Spurs are demanding "doublefigure millions" for the player and fears the figure could prove prohibitive.

"Didier would definitely prefer to stay in the Premier League," said Anderson.

"He would do very well at Sunderland - they're a massive club.

There are not many clubs Didier would leave Tottenham for, but I think Sunderland are one.

"If the terms of the deal are decent but also if the move is an adventure, then he would be interested.

"I think he would bring a different dimension to Sunderland.

"Whether they are prepared to pay the fee Tottenham are asking, which I've been told is 'double-figure millions', remains to be seen. They paid pounds 8m for him, he has improved, so they want more.

"He has three or four English clubs interested, and a couple of Spanish clubs, one of which is keen but may be struggling to match his fee, and another which can afford it." Meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand has praised the Black Cats' fans despite a disappointing season.

"The season didn't go as well as I had hoped but I have really enjoyed playing at the Stadium of Light," he said. "The passion here is unbelievable. You don't realise that until you've played here."