Bruce keen to keep strength in squad

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will not allow his squad to be weakened by a late flurry of transfer activity after making an enquiry about Hull defender Michael Turner. Bruce has confirmed he has asked about the highly-rated 25-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League with the promoted Tigers. However, he was giving little away on how well his approach was received. He said: "It is difficult to talk about individual players. We have registered an interest in the boy, but that's as far as it's gone at the moment."