The Northern Echo are reporting that proposed Sunderland deals for Aston Villa pair Ross McCormack and Tommy Elphick are now off.
It is understood that they were priced out of a move for Elphick, after a £1m bid was rejected by the Villains. McCormack’s wages seemed to be the key in the other deal’s downfall, with Sunderland unprepared to pay the striker’s salary.
Now it would appear both of these deals are dead, and Sunderland will walk away.
This leaves Simon Grayson pondering over further deals, as he looks to lead his Sunderland side straight back to the Premier League.
Elphick, formerly of AFC Bournemouth, captained his side for a part of last season, and is seen to be a key member of Steve Bruce’s squad, as they themselves look to get themselves back into the top-flight.
The same could be applied to Ross McCormack, who Villa still see as a presence up-front, and a good source for goals.
