Cats ‘keen on Ireland star Brady’

SOON to be out-of-contract Bournemouth winger Robbie Brady is said to be attracting interest from Sunderland this summer.

Brady, 30, recently enjoyed promotion back to the Premier League with the Cherries but has not made his intentions clear regarding his future steps.

Featuring just seven times in total for Scott Parker’s side last season, the club did announce that discussions were ongoing regarding the Republic of Ireland winger extending his stay on the south coast.

But according to reports published by TeamTalk, Brady is being ‘chased’ by a number of Championship clubs at present, including both the Black Cats and Middlesbrough.

Presenting a wealth of experience at this level, the Dubliner enjoyed five back-toback seasons with Burnley more recently, before making the switch to the Vitality Stadium back in October last year.

Sunderland will have to hope the fitness of the former Man Utd winger holds up too somewhat given his off-field frustrations with Bournemouth last season. Parker has confirmed he would like the Republic of Ireland man to stay on for their Premier League campaign even though he revealed his frustration at Brady’s current fitness situation.

“He’s just picked up a little bit of a calf injury at the moment. So it is disappointing for Robbie,” Parker said back in February.

Meanwhile, Lee Johnson has teased a potential reunion with Aiden McGeady following his Sunderland exit.

A five-year stint at the Stadium of Light comes to an end for the 36-year-old later this month.

Promotion to the Championship requires a rebuild from Alex Neil and McGeady is surplus to requirements after an injury-ravaged campaign.

Now the Republic of Ireland international has been linked with Hibernian, who have appointed former Cats boss Johnson.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the new Hibs manager said: “I’ve got a strong relationship with Aiden McGeady,” Johnson said. “He’s a fantastic player; unbelievable feet.

“He’s 36 so whether it’s us or anywhere else, he’s got nothing to prove but a lot to prove as well.

“He’s a maverick. A challenging but inspiring character and whoever gets Aiden McGeady moving forward, certainly for a year or two, will have an exceptional player and person.”