Bruce still wants Cattermole

26 July 2009 12:30
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is still keen to sign Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole despite splashing out on Lorik Cana. Albanian midfielder Cana secured a £5million move to Sunderland from Marseille on Friday and will become the club's new captain following the sale of Dean Whitehead to Stoke City. Bruce had been chasing Cattermole prior to landing Cana and retains an interest in a player he signed for Wigan from Middlesbrough 12 months ago. Wigan have rejected an offer from the Black Cats and insist Cattermole is not for sale, however Bruce is not giving up on his pursuit of the 21-year-old. Respectful"It is a position where we haven't got much available with Dean gone and if good players become available, we will be in for them," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo. "Lee is still in that category. I have not given up hope. "I have got to be respectful to Wigan and they're within their rights not wanting to sell, but we'll have to see what develops." Meanwhile, Bruce confirmed Cana will take on the captain's armband at the Stadium of Light following the departure of Whitehead. He added: "Cana will be the captain. "He's been the captain of Marseille, he's the captain of Albania and he's a real competitor - the type of player we needed after Dean Whitehead joined Stoke. "He's powerful, he's been a winner all his life and I'm sure he's suited to the Premier League."

Source: SKY_Sports