Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will return to his desk to find himself thrust into a whirlwind of transfer speculation.
The 48-year-old interrupted a family holiday in Portugal to complete his move to the Stadium of Light from Wigan a fortnight ago, and immediately flew back out to recommence his break. However, he is expected back later this week when he will begin his recruitment drive in earnest having completed some of the groundwork during his time away.
Bruce has been promised the backing of new owner Ellis Short in the transfer market, and while talk of a £200million war-chest has been dismissed, it is understood he could have up to £50million to strengthen the squad he inherited from Ricky Sbragia and before him, former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane.
The Black Cats have already been linked with a £10million bid for Tottenham striker Darren Bent, a £7million swoop for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole and a £5million approach for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.
However, while it is understood there is interest in all three players, sources in north London have insisted there has been no formal contact over Bent, who is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. Cattermole has indicated his intention to see what prospective new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has to say on his return from the European Under-21 Championships before making any decisions on his future.
In addition, Calum Davenport, who spent a successful spell on loan at Sunderland at the end of last season, has made no secret of his interest in securing a permanent move to the north east.
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Cameron there's an old saying mate,"he who laughs last,laughs loudest" we've waited a long time for this,don't count on the laughing to finish anytime soon.If Bruce can make a Wigan out of us in the first season and finish 11th,I'll still be guffawing this time next year.
Oh dear. Is Cameron W the same one who lectured me about humility? The bitter pill eh? I do hope you get Fat Freddy back...maybe he could convince Sir J to give his millions back....Now, clear off back to the championship board and learn respect for clubs in higher divisions.
ps
safcalsftm
You did make me laugh awld son:
'together they got their man'!!!!
As if Mr Short had the first inkling of who Steve Bruce was - he's merely a financier!
Jack, has this Ellis Short bloke actually said you have loads of money to spend, 'cause i haven't read that anywhere? Oh, and if you do, you have certainly not done yourselves any favours by constantly boasting about it to other clubs - they'll simply double their prices!
I see Carvallho and Deco are up for grabs; now that's what you call shopping at Harrods - remind me again who's on Brucie Boy's hit-list again, oh yes Dunne, the thug Cattermole (who makes barton look like an Angel btw), and Bent. It seems to me he's shopping at TJ Hughes rather than Harrods; all bluster mate, you will end up witha bunch of players a la the Wigan mode; playing the same dreary football. Look at man city, all their mega millions can't attract the world's best, what chance a backwater club like safc. The only thing safc has in its favour is its proximity to Newcastle; all your players live here, socialise here and shop here - i wonder why!
Jack, has this Ellis Short bloke actually said you have loads of money to spend, 'cause i haven't read that anywhere? Oh, and if you do, you have certainly not done yourselves any favours by constantly boasting about it to other clubs - they'll simply double their prices!
I see Carvallho and Deco are up for grabs; now that's what you call shopping at Harrods - remind me again who's on Brucie Boy's hit-list again, oh yes Dunne, the thug Cattermole (who makes barton look like an Angel btw), and Bent. It seems to me he's shopping at TJ Hughes rather than Harrods; all bluster mate, you will end up witha bunch of players a la the Wigan mode; playing the same dreary football. Look at man city, all their mega millions can't attract the world's best, what chance a backwater club like safc. The only thing safc has in its favour is its proximity to Newcastle; all your players live here, socialise here and shop here - i wonder why!
Well as that strange looking bird with the dodgy barnett and cycling shorts once said "the only way is up,for you and me now" go get em ' the Bruce' stop f*$!ng about watching that spider go up and down all day and buy us some class buy buy buy,oh and bye bye bye to the Mags ha ha,"this sense of humour of mine,it isn't funny at all" (Bush)
safcalsftm
Yet another false statement, have you ever told the truth in your life when it comes to NUFC!
It is common knowledge that Fat Freddy fought tooth and nail to save Bobby Robson, he was out-voted by the rest of the board . . . . FACT!
As for his remarks!
Who cares; water long since under the bridge and well run into the sea pal!!!!!!!!
The club's future is more important than a few words of bravado said in drink, years ago; never heard the saying, 'Better the devil you know'!!!
By the way, those transfer targets - yup siree . . . .very Harrods-like!
I wouldn't have ANY of them.
sr melvin newcastle are going to be taken over by yanks as well they intend to rename them the newcastle turds cos one flush and their down
Thank football for Niall Quinn and Ellis Short. Together they got their man and I for one really feel that for the first time since the Peter Reid era the Club has real direction (and before any smart Alec (or Tony K / Cameron W) says otherwise I mean upwardly mobile direction) and we can look forward to the new season with relish.
As for the Dark Side, what I cannot get my head around is the fact that so many Mags are hoping that the Fat Pit Bull will return - the man they wanted rid of not so long ago, the man who sacked Bobby Robson, who humiliated Alan Shearer by giving him the nick-name "Mary Poppins", who slagged off the female population of Tyneside and laughed at the male population for wearing the shirts that cost him 2 quid but sold for 40! As Jimmy Greaves would say: "funny old game"!
Chill out Ron mate. It's just meant to be a laugh. Truth be told, I was watching Ch 4 News tonight and I thought to myself - 100 million for a stupid football club. Why not use it to feed some people over in Somalia. Football's become a sick joke since Abramovich bought Chelsea. Enjoy your day. We'll be back..
How luck we are to have the deliberations of such people as sr. melvin offering startling and well thought out advice to all and sundry. You would think that Newcastle, with such well read, intelligent support would have done just a wee bit better had they just thought to get in contact with this prize speciment. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep up the good work.
Cheers
Ron Chisholm
APPARENTLY safc's NEW OWNER, Ellis Short, BEING AN AMERICAN, WOULD LIKE HIS NEW ACQUISITION TO TAKE ON AN AMERICAN STYLE TEAM NAME. HIS SUGGESTION, IT SEEMS, IS " SUNDERLAND BROWNS " WHO HE KNOWS, DISPITE WHATEVER HE GIVES THE CLUB TO SPEND ON NEW PLAYERS, WILL ALWAYS BE
SH I TE. HE ALSO INTENDS TO RE NAME THE HILARIOUSLY NAMED " STADIUM OF LIGHT " TO A MORE APT' " STADIUM OF SH I TE ." THE MAN'S ALREADY SHOWING THAT HE RECOGNISES THE CLUB'S STANDING IN ENGLISH " SOCCER. " reuters news agency
Go get em Brucey????????????
Nice to see you......to see you nice!
brucey how many wigan players do you want to tell you to p88s off they want to move up not down market you fat geordie arse
Hold on to your hats, we're ready for take-off! Interesting times ahead. Go get em Brucey!
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