Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce eyes summer move for Peter Crouch
Share[LNB]Steve Bruce is preparing to launch a move for Tottenham striker Peter Crouch.[LNB]Bruce wants the England star to help build on a fine finish to the Premier League season. [LNB] On the move? Tottenham striker Peter Crouch[LNB]Ready to make a move? Sunderland boss Bruce[LNB]He has the cash from the ?24m sale of Darren Bent earlier this year, and could get his man if he is prepared to match the ?10m Spurs paid for him in 2009.[LNB]Redknapp is known to want a powerful new target man, with Spurs failing to reach the Champions League again after their heroics in the competition this season.[LNB]He has been linked with Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro, and could also launch a bid for Chelsea star Didier Drogba if he becomes available.[LNB]Crouch has struggled for a permanent place in the Spurs line-up, but scored 12 goals in more than 40 starts and substitute appearances this season.[LNB]And according to a report in the Sun, he could soon be on his way to the north-east.[LNB]Meanwhile, Bruce insists Sunderland were right to refuse to pay an 'astronomical' fee to replace striker Darren Bent in January.[LNB] Money in the bank: Sunderland did not spend the ?24million they received for Darren Bent (left) in January[LNB]Bent's shock ?24million switch to Aston Villa left the Black Cats with money in their pockets, but less than a fortnight in which to re-invest it, and they took the decision not to spend in haste in a notoriously difficult market.[LNB]However, the gamble backfired to an extent when Danny Welbeck was ruled out by injury and Fraizer Campbell's hopes of making a comeback were dashed by a recurrence of his problems, leaving Bruce with only Asamoah Gyan, who was himself to succumb to a hamstring tear.[LNB]Bruce told the club's official website, www.safc.com: 'At the time, we couldn't really bring in a striker who would have made a difference.[LNB]'We were quoted astronomical money, stupid things. In the end, we decided to keep a bit back for the summer when we can get value for money.[LNB] Injury problems: Danny Welbeck missed much of the second half of the season[LNB]'Of course, I didn't know we were going to collapse like we did, but I still think it was the right decision.'[LNB]Bruce has made the recruitment of as many as three strikers his main priority for this summer, and he has inevitably already been linked with a series of potential targets.[LNB]Sunderland looked at Senegal international Demba Ba in January, as did Stoke, but the player eventually ended up at West Ham.[LNB]The Hammers have registered a complaint with the Barclays Premier League alleging an illegal approach by the Black Cats in the aftermath of their relegation from the top flight with potential purchasers ready to cash in on any exodus.[LNB] Complaint: West Ham claim Sunderland made an illegal approach for Demba Ba[LNB]The matter is currently being investigated, although the Wearsiders are adamant they always do their business through the correct channels.[LNB]Crouch is the latest frontman to be linked with the club along with the likes of Lorient's Kevin Gameiro and Blackpool's DJ Campbell, although sources on Wearside have played down reports Manchester City's Craig Bellamy could be in their sights.[LNB]It is understood Sunderland's main aim is to find a man with physical presence as a foil for Gyan, who spent much of the time after Bent's departure playing as a lone striker.[LNB]Crouch, of course, turned down a move to the Stadium of Light two summers ago, opting instead to head for White Hart Lane from Portsmouth.[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Spurs in Friedel hijack bid as Harry eyes Liverpool targetHarry wants a Cheik mate as Spurs boss considers move for Toon's Tiote [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Steve Bruce, Peter Crouch, Didier Drogba, Darren Bent, Craig Bellamy, Danny Welbeck Places: United Kingdom
