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The rumour mill is once again churning out links between big teams and City players with the latest being Gainy. Gain has been in indifferent form for over a season now, but is undoubtedly the most skilfull player currently plying his trade at Sincil Bank.
Its been reported that the Black Cats had a scout running his eye over 'a left sided Lincoln player' at the Williamson Motors Stadium on Saturday. If this is the truth then theres no doubt that Gainy would have stood out in a completely dominant Imps performance. Unlucky not to score himself it was his slick passing that created the opening for McAuley to cross and Yeo to volley home for Citys first. He continued to turn in one of his best displays this season in a rampant 3-0 win.
Sunderland have proved in the past they are not shy in signing players from League Championship Two. Liam Lawrence arrived from Mansfield and has quickly established himself in the first XI at the Stadium of Light. Damien Whitehead also signed from Oxford United in another Division Two swoop. With Sunderland light on left sided players it seems these rumours may prove to have firmer ground than those linking McAuley with Birmingham.
Keith Alexander was as dismissive as ever regarding the interest.
"Peter has done well this season and has been an exceptional player for me, so I would not be surprised if someone was watching him, or any of my players for that matter.
"As for Sunderland's interest, it's news to me. But as I have said before, many of my team could play at a higher level.
"When you are doing well clubs are bound to be linked with your players, although a lot of it just tends to be speculation."
Indeed Gain may have made it at Tottenham had it not been for the promising left sided player Andy Turner keeping his chances limited in the Spurs youth set-up. In March 1999 City signed Gain from Spurs for £15,000 and that has to be the best value for money City have seen in recent years.
It took Gain a couple of seasons to establish himself in the side. He struggled to settle under Alan Buckley who appeared to favour his inferior son and common theif Adam Buckley ahead of the talented Gain. However following Buckleys departure Gainy flourished scoring several tremendous goals in the race to the 2003 Play Off Final. Last season Gain never really hit his best form, but once again this season he has excelled where possible creating chances for the recently free scoring forwards to convert.
If Gain were to leave Sincil Bank it would leave a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in Citys midfield that any player would struggle to fill.