Source: Northern_Echo
Sunderland want to keep Welbeck
AFTER watching Danny Welbeck make his England debut in Tuesday's friendly with Ghana, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has reiterated his desire to keep the striker at the club beyond his loan deal.[LNB] The Manchester United forward has impressed on Wearside during a season-long loan, scoring six goals in 17 appearances with his performances catching the eye of England boss Fabio Capello.[LNB] Bruce has made contact with Sir Alex Ferguson over a potential permanent summer transfer but has seen his approach rebuffed with the United boss keen to keep a hold of the 20-year-old.[LNB] Unless the Black Cats are prepared to pay a fee understood to be in the region of £10m, Bruce will attempt to re-sign the Manchester-born forward on another loan deal.[LNB] Whether he can convince Ferguson to sell the promising youngster remains to be seen, but the Black Cats boss insists his number one priority is to keep Welbeck in some capacity next season.[LNB] Welbeck is still the big thing this summer, Bruce said.[LNB] Keeping him is our number one aim. If not, I have to find a replacement.[LNB] The club's been here before with Jonny Evans.[LNB] Danny's done so well for us, he's probably had the best year of his career here and it's propelled him into the England squad.[LNB] Before he came to us I don't think he'd played six straight games in three years.[LNB] We'll do everything we can but it's very difficult to buy a 19, 20-year-old with the world at his feet off Manchester United.[LNB] We'll try our best, no matter what it cost, I can say that.[LNB] After scoring in the Under- 21s friendly win over Denmark on Thursday, Welbeck was on his way back to Sunderland when he received a call-up to the full squad on Monday night.[LNB] It turned into a whirlwind 24 hours for the striker, coming on as an 81st minute substitute against Ghana, who have been in contact with the player regarding his eligibility to play for them.[LNB] Although his late introduction was met with boos from the Ghana fans, the 19-yearold was pleased to make his senior international debut.[LNB] It was a bittersweet moment.[LNB] I've got love for both countries but I can't play for both, Welbeck said.[LNB] The supporters weren't happy although the Ghana players afterwards were telling me I can still change.[LNB] But we'll have to see about that.[LNB] I've been playing for England at every single youth team level so it was a natural progression to move up to the seniors.[LNB] I am obviously delighted with my progress.[LNB]
