Source: Northern_Echo
World Cup scouting mission for Bruce?
STEVE BRUCE could be set to use his role as a World Cup TV pundit to check out Sunderland's summer transfer targets.[LNB] The Wearsiders' boss has been offered a role by ITV to be on of their panel of experts in South Africa, affording him a ringside seat as the world's greatest players showcase their talents.[LNB] Bruce admits that stars from the leading nations may be beyond budget but his eye for a bargain among the lesser- ranked sides could see him press his interest in Paraquay striker Salvador Cabanas and his international team-mate Cristian Rivero..[LNB] But Bruce's first capture may sit much closer to home after he admitted that he would use tomorrow's visit of Tottenham Hotspur as an opportunity to engage his opposite number Harry Redkanpp in a friendly chat about the possibility of Alan Hutton joining Sunderland on a permanent basis.[LNB] The terms of Hutton's loan deal means he is ineligible to play against Spurs but recent performances have convinced Bruce he should become a fixture at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] Yes, Hutton is on the list.[LNB] He has done very well. I like him as a character.[LNB] I'm tempted to have a word with Harry after the game about Hutton but Harry will pass me on to his chairman,[LNB] said Bruce who experienced Spurs supremo Daniel Levy's determination to drive a hard bargain during the protracted wrangling that eventually brought Darren Bent to Wearside last summer.[LNB] Hutton's absence will force Bruce to reshuffle his defensive unit while John Mensah is rated as 50-50 to recover from a hamstring injury. A deal for the Ghana international remains a possibility as Bruce weighs up potential bids.[LNB] I'd be lying if I said I wasn't planning for next season.[LNB] But I want us to finish off by catching Blackburn, said the manager.[LNB] They are six points ahead of us with six games left. But I am thinking about what we need, where do we need strengthening[LNB] All of those things are going on but there is a long summer ahead and the one thing I'll not be is rash. We will sit and wait and see what the chairman has on offer.'' And he admitted: Will I be looking at players in the World Cup[LNB] Yes, that's one area. If you've anything about you as a manger you know international teams I know the Paraguay team and you target teams, put it that way. It's a waste of time looking at players with Argentina and Brazil, you won't get them.[LNB] I have very kindly been asked to work for ITV as a pundit.[LNB] I haven't said no' and I'll make my mind up in the next couple of weeks. I'm very flattered to be asked.[LNB] The thought of going over there rather than sitting in front of the TV with a couple of tins like every normal Joe Bloggs is one thing, and the winter puts me off too. If it was Italy, Spain or Portugal I'd be there in a shot.[LNB] Paulo Da Silva is expected to feature against Redknapp's side whose attractive brand of football will suit the defender signed from Mexican side Toluca.[LNB] In Mexico you are never bashed about, it's all (played) to feet.[LNB] When you play against football teams he's very, very good.[LNB] He struggles with the physical stuff against the likes of Bolton and Stoke,[LNB] said Bruce.[LNB]
