Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has asked his compatriot Sulley Muntari to join him at English side Sunderland, just two days after the Inter midfielder told the Italian side he wants to leave.
Muntari handed in a written transfer request to the Serie A club on Friday but he is said not to be keen on a move to Sunderland who have expressed interest in signing him.
The 26-year-old midfielder wants to a move to a London club having played for Portsmouth before moving to Inter.
Gyan says despite Muntari’s reluctance, he will enjoy his stay with Sunderland and he will give them the lift they need as they struggle to cope with a lengthy injury list.
“Sulley would give us a big boost,†said Gyan, who played alongside Muntari as Ghana reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa last summer.
“And he would be loved by the fans if he comes here.
“The fans like to see players who fight for the team and he certainly does that.
“He is a quality footballer and he plays the game a little like Lee Cattermole.
“He wins the ball and he can pass it anywhere on the pitch. He has a great left foot and he can shoot from distance.
“I’ve known him for a long time and I would be very happy if he does join us.
“I would love to play in the same club side as him.â€
Black Cats coach Steve Bruce expressed his desire to snap up the former Portsmouth player on a loan term, as the manager wants to have more options in the middle.
With Muntari also wanting a move away, Bruce would want to act quickly and sign him before the end of the transfer window.
Lack of first team opportunities this season propelled Muntari to demand a transfer, as majority of his 12 first team appearances have been somewhat of a cameo.
Sunderland, however, is not the only club interested in signing the Ghanaian, as a host of other European clubs also want him.
Bids are likely to flow in the next few days.