Boss Says “Arsenal Have Not Been In Touch” Over Target

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has claimed Arsenal are yet to make contact with them over midfielder Kieran Richardson.

The Gunners were linked with a move for the versatile 27-year-old, who is comfortable playing at both left back and left midfield, as Arsene Wenger seeks cover for his injury-hit squad.

However, speaking yesterday at his weekly press conference Martin O’Niell revealed that he is yet to hear from Arsenal regarding Richardson’s availability.

“Arsenal have not been in touch with me, I don’t know anything about it,” the Black Cats manager said ahead of their FA Cup clash with Peterborough.

“I asked the chief executive as well and she said, ‘no, there hasn’t been anybody in touch yet’.

“But what I have said is that I would keep players informed about what is happening.

“Obviously, I don’t want to rush players to leave the football club. I would rather think about stabilising things here, and hopefully we can try to progress from there.

“But regardless of whether you are going to be doing business or not, you are going to be linked with players, clubs are going to be linked with some of our players, and at this minute we are hanging in there.”