Halford to Sunderland £3m !

Skysports.com understands Sunderland are on the brink of making Greg Halford their first signing of the summer.

Halford looks set to move on from Reading after just six months at The Madejski Stadium.

The highly-rated defender joined Reading in January from Colchester, but failed to establish himself in Steve Coppell's side, making just three appearances in the first team.

Sunderland are now ready to offer Halford an escape route out of Reading by taking him to The Stadium of Light.

Roy Keane is believed to be a fan of the versatile performer and feels he will prove to be a valuable addition to his squad.

Halford is thought to be undergoing a medical and holding talks on Wearside as Sunderland look to tie up a deal for the 22-year-old.


The figure is supposed to around £3m which i think is over the top for someone who has struggled to get in a Prem team and also only played 6 months in the Championship, although i do think he has potential.

Should have stayed with the U's. His career is already on a downward spiral.

He has the potential - not sure why he didn't get more opportunities to be honest - he's like a right back version of Peter Crouch

Well done done mackems, that'll have the rest of the league quaking in fear.

Very versatile can play in midfield or as a taget man as well.

Kimbo wrote:Well done done mackems, that'll have the rest of the league quaking in fear.

I sincerely doubt you know much about the guy if you're saying that - the guy has fantastic potential IMO

Tweedle wrote:

Kimbo wrote:Well done done mackems, that'll have the rest of the league quaking in fear.

I sincerely doubt you know much about the guy if you're saying that - the guy has fantastic potential IMO

No, i don't. But not being able to break into the Reading team isn't a great sign. Whatever happened to the Diego Forlan transfer eh?

That's very treu there were question marks over whether he could cut it in the Premiership.

I suppose he hasn't been given a proper chance yet though.

Wasn't he injured? Also I'm sure it would have been difficult to justify changing the team around when they were playing well so he had to bide his time.

The championship isn't really that good an indicator of a players quality but he's strong, has a great touch and technique and is good in the air

Tweedle wrote:Wasn't he injured? Also I'm sure it would have been difficult to justify changing the team around when they were playing well so he had to bide his time.

The championship isn't really that good an indicator of a players quality but he's strong, has a great touch and technique and is good in the air

Technique can be questioned at times. He often has lapses of concentration and can be clumsy at times. It will take a good manager to get the best out of him.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has secured the £3m capture of Reading utility player Greg Halford.
Halford had a medical over the weekend and has now signed a four-year contract with the Wearside club.

The move comes as a surprise as the 22-year-old only joined Reading from Colchester in January in a £2m deal.

The fee is for an initial £2.5m, rising to £3m depending on how many appearances he makes for the Black Cats this season.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane said: "I'm delighted Greg has decided to join us, and hopefully he will play a big part in what we hope to be a successful few years for the club."

Halford added: "It's great to be here. The set-up at Sunderland is phenomenal and I can't wait to get going. I've had a taste of the Premiership with Reading and I want more."

Sunderland have pursued the player strongly and I'm sure he will do very well for them

Reading director of football Nicky Hammond
Halford, who played as a right-back, midfielder and striker for Colchester, made just three appearances after arriving at the Madejski Stadium as the club's record signing.

Reading director of football Nicky Hammond said: "It's fair to say that Greg did not make the impact here that both he and ourselves would have liked.

"Sometimes in football, players do move on quite quickly if it's felt that the fit isn't quite right. But this is absolutely no reflection on Greg as a person or a player and he has been a very good professional during his short time with us.

"From a purely financial perspective, this is an excellent deal for us with a good upside on our initial investment in January.

"Sunderland have pursued the player strongly and I'm sure he will do very well for them.

"Everyone at Reading wishes Greg every success for his future."

Halford was part of the Colchester side that got promotion to the Championship in 2005-06.

His form for the U's and the England Under-20 side saw him linked with a number of Premiership clubs, including Manchester United.

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on Halford's move

Colchester turned down a bid from Sheffield United for him and dismissed his transfer request during last summer.

With his deal set to come to an end this summer Colchester opted to sell him in January.

Halford, who scored 24 goals in 154 games for the U's, was thought to be part of Reading manager Steve Coppell's long-term plans.

However, the club have decided to make a quick profit.

Keane is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer, with the club vowing to back him with significant funds as they prepare for life in the Premiership.

Defenders are a priority with Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans - a key part of last season's Championship-winning side - both returning to Manchester United after their loans ended.

Be interesting to see where he is deployed by Keane. Played in a number of positions for Col U but best position was right back.

Have you seen this guy's throw ins?

This guy makes an everyday throw in a set-peice scoring chance

Rasiak-9 wrote:Have you seen this guy's throw ins?

This guy makes an everyday throw in a set-peice scoring chance

The Layer road pitch is about the same size of my back garden though and he is still a bean pole.