Source: Northern_Echo
N’Zogbia hints at reunion with Bruce at Sunderland
FORMER Newcastle United winger Charles N'Zogbia has encouraged Sunderland to make a bid for his services after admitting he could move on this summer.[LNB] N'Zogbia has been under serious consideration by Black Cats boss Steve Bruce this summer, knowing the skilful Frenchman can also play left-back.[LNB] It is only 18 months since the 24-year-old was sold by Newcastle, when the player cited playing at a higher level as his reason for wanting to desert a club struggling to stay in the Premier League.[LNB] But now, having been made aware of interest from his former Wigan boss Bruce, N'Zogbia has hinted that he is ready for his next challenge, with Sunderland known to be among his suitors.[LNB] When I came to Wigan, I was in a period where I wanted to relaunch myself, said N'Zogbia, who has been preselected for the France squad by new boss Laurent Blanc ahead of the friendly with Norway.[LNB] Today I'm at Wigan but if tomorrow a good club with great aims contacts me, I am open. I have talked about it with my bosses. They won't put a spoke in the wheel.[LNB] N'Zogbia was surprised to see good friend Titus Bramble leave the DW Stadium for an initial £1m, rising to £3m, recently and would be interested in making a similar switch.[LNB] Bruce remains keen to add a left-back to his ranks before the start of the new season, with N'Zogbia available at a reduced rate compared to his £8m-rated Wigan team-mate Maynor Figueroa.[LNB] Bramble is expected to make his first appearance in a Sunderland shirt at Leicester City this afternoon.[LNB] It will be the first match Sunderland have played on English soil this summer and Bramble, allowed to work on his fitness during the weeklong stay in Portugal, will make his bow.[LNB] There has also been encouraging news on the injury front for two of Bruce's leading strikers.[LNB] Darren Bent, nursing a hamstring complaint and rested for Wednesday's friendly with Benfica, and Kenwyne Jones, who suffered an injury scare in that match, are also travelling to Leicester.[LNB] Bruce is still looking to add another striker to his ranks, with Manchester United's Danny Welbeck high in his sights.[LNB] The Sunderland boss, who has again discounted suggestions he wants to sign Emile Heskey, is keen to convince Sir Alex Ferguson that his young attacking talent should move to Wearside rather than Blackpool.[LNB] Blackpool will offer him a stronger chance of playing more regularly, but Bruce remains confident of pulling off the deal at some stage next week.[LNB] Bruce must also discuss with chairman Niall Quinn what his next step will be on the goalkeeper front. Confirmation yesterday that David James has opted for a move to the Championship with Bristol City has left Bruce considering his options.[LNB] With Craig Gordon ruled out for the next three months and new signing Simon Mignolet inexperienced at Premier League level like Trevor Carson Bruce is facing up to his first major problem ahead of the new season.[LNB] He does have the option of going back on his word and begging Marton Fulop, who he told he could leave, to start the season between the posts or, more likely, he will scour the market for a six-month loan[LNB]
