Scharner rejects Bruce reunion and snubs 6m Sunderland move

Paul Scharner has snubbed former boss Steve Bruce by refusing a £6million deal to follow him to Sunderland despite declaring his aim to quit Wigan. The Austrian international centre-back, 29, is under contract for two more years and claims interest from Fulham, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa. But he insists joining Sunderland would be a backward step. He said: 'I have decided that I want to change clubs.  'My fee is £6m, and there has been interest from clubs in England and Germany. 'It was a big surprise when Steve Bruce left Wigan. But I can't see myself joining Sunderland. 'They are certainly not an improvement on Wigan. Besides, I did not get on too well with Bruce's style of play.'