Source: Telegraph
Sunderland move for Steve Bruce
It is believed that an official approach could be made within the next 48 hours. Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman, who wants to hire a 'big-name' manager following Ricky Sbragia's resignation, would have to pay Wigan £5 million in compensation.
However, it is thought that Wigan's chairman, Dave Whelan, would fight to keep Bruce.
The 48-year-old former Manchester United captain would have a £50 million transfer budget to work with at Sunderland thanks to American billionaire Ellis Short, who is set to complete his takeover of the Wearside club this week.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is planning to revive his interest in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater. Benitez tried to sign the England Under-21 international last summer and in January.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson has backed manager Gareth Southgate to lead the club back to the Premier League after relegation. 'We're not going to make him a scapegoat – I still believe in Gareth,' Gibson said.
Martin Jol, the former Tottenham manager, has quit Hamburg and been appointed head coach of Ajax on a three-year deal.
