Big Sam’s overhaul

SUNDERLAND boss Sam Allardyce is looking to offload a whole team.

After the release of defender Wes Brown, strikers Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham, and goalkeeper Steve Harper, Big Sam wants rid of seven more players.

The out-ofcontract quartet could be followed by a string who were loaned out last season but are due to report back for pre-season on July 1.

Midfielders Liam Bridcutt, Will Buckley, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jordi Gomez and Charis Mavrias, plus defenders Adam Matthews and Santiago Vergini, face uncertain futures. The Sunderland manager also faces a decision over winger Jeremain Lens, a £9million signing by former boss Dick Advocaat. Allardyce, meanwhile, paid tribute to ex-England international Brown, 36, who joined the Black Cats from Manchester United in a £1m deal five years ago. He said: “Wes has struggled to get on the bench. He’s a terrific player and a terrific guy and he’s been sat there frustrated.’’ CLIVE HETHERINGTON CHELSEA are ready to raise their bid for Roma’s Radja Nainggolan to £35million.

Incoming boss Antonio Conte is keen on the Belgium ace, 28, having twice tried to sign him when he was Juventus boss.

Nainggolan last week revealed that international team-mates Eden Hazard, 25, and Thibaut Courtois, 24, have urged him to join them at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder, who has asked Roma to double his £60,000-a-week wage as an incentive to stay, admits he has discussed a possible move with Conte but says he wants to focus on the Euros before deciding his future.

TONY STENSON