Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia was in Europe last week watching potential recruits, some identified 18 months earlier.

"They were recommendations from (club scouts) Mick Brown and Ian Atkins from the Christmas window," said Sbragia of the individuals he scrutinised.

"They recommended about four or five so we thought we'd take one in and see what they were like.

"On the Wednesday, I'd seen a team play five weeks ago and I thought I wouldn't get the chance to see them again. Sometimes it's just taking the team in, not one individual.

"There were reports that I was in Cardiff looking at a Cardiff player (Joe Ledley) but far from it, to be honest.

"Sometimes I'm just going to watch a team I'll never see again to see what they've got, what's available."