Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Bruce could land Figueroa

10 Sep 2009 - 09:36:49

Click To Enlarge

Reports suggest Sunderland boss Steve Bruce failed in an attempt to sign Maynor Figueroa before the transfer window closed just over a week ago.

Bruce had been keen to sign the Wigan Athletic star as George McCartney had been his only senior left-back and he picked up an injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland.

The Black Cats eventually swooped for John Mensah, although both Lucas Neill and Figueroa had been linked with switches to the Stadium of Light.

Bruce confirmed: "I thought we were getting a left-back in on deadline day - the deal was practically done, but at the very last minute it didn't come off.

"Then I had to consider the fact Stoke City were still interested in Danny (Collins). I'd allowed him to speak to them, he was down there in talks and I thought the offer was too good to turn down for a player approaching 30."

Bruce signed Figueroa, initially on loan, in January 2008 when he was the manager of Wigan but the Honduran could move to Wearside when the winter transfer window opens.

Neill was expected to move to Atletico Madrid or Real Zaragoza, but reports suggest the Australian is now set to remain in England.