JUST five months after he left Everton for Tottenham, Louis Saha is a free agent – and considering a move to Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland.
After just two goals in his last 20 appearances for Everton, Saha made an instant impact upon his arrival at White Hart Lane in January, scoring three goals in his first two starts for the club.
However, his time at the club ended in controversy as he was criticised by Spurs fans for congratulating Chelsea on Twitter for defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, a result which saw Chelsea secure Champions League football at Tottenham’s expense.
The 33-year-old is now a free agent after his short-term contract at White Hart Lane expired.
Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is keen to bolster his attacking options after Nicklas Bendtner returned to his parent club Arsenal following a season-long loan on Wearside.
And Saha has confirmed he has not ruled out the possibility of a move to the Stadium of Light, with West Ham also said to be interested in his signature.
“I would consider going to Sunderland,” Saha said.
“Anything can happen in the transfer market, though, it’s always a tense time. It’s all about making the right choices and the nice thing is to have options.”
Saha’s stock with Spurs fans is unlikely to improve after the French striker urged France coach Laurent Blanc to turn down any interest from Spurs and remain as national team boss.
Former Manchester United defender and Bordeaux boss Blanc is thought to be one of the leading contenders for the White Hart Lane job along with Andre Villas-Boas. But former Spurs striker Saha is keen for Blanc to remain in charge of Les Bleus beyond the European Championship.
“He’s a top manager,” Saha said.
“He’ll always have interest. I can imagine him being in the Premier League because of his experience.
“I want him to stay in the job for France because he has been doing a terrific job so I wouldn’t like him to go to the Premier League yet.”
Blanc has transformed France’s fortunes after taking charge of his national team following their disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign.
France were unbeaten in 23 matches before their defeat to Sweden last night but they have qualified for a quarter-final against Spain.
Saha believes Blanc has the tactical nous to combat the world and European champions.
“It was quite an achievement to qualify for a big game against Spain. It feels like a great achievement,” Saha said.
“Technically and tactically we have to be in top form and the manager has to have a big role in that.
“Physically you can be closer to the Spanish players. You have to find the right formation and I believe Laurent Blanc will definitely change his formation.
“The expectation was to play a better style of football after the World Cup in 2010.”
