Dick Advocaat reveals Lombaerts interest

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat has admitted that he was keen signing Zenit St.Petersburg defender Nicolas Lombaerts during the summer transfer window.

The Belgian international was strongly tipped to join the Black Cats, who are currently rock bottom of the Premier League with just two points.

However, the deal fell through with the player not keen on making a move to the Wearside outfit.

Advocaat has now revealed that he considered signing the 30-year-old as his club were giving the ball away on a regular basis.

"We have too many players who just kick the ball away.That was why I was so keen to get Lombaerts who can start things off at the back." he told Shields Gazette.

Sunderland visit Manchester United in their next Premier League encounter on Saturday.