Roberto Mancini claims Sunderland offer after Wigan refuse to back down on £3m compensation for Ste

31 May 2009 14:53
Roberto Mancini claims he has been offered the chance to manage Sunderland, casting doubt on the Black Cats willingness to pay £3million compensation for Wigan boss Steve Bruce. The 44-year-old former Italy forward was sacked by Inter Milan 12months ago, despite leading the club to three successive Serie A titles. He has been out of football since leaving the San Siro club. Mancini told Sky Italia: 'I am honoured to have had an offer from Sunderland Football Club. It is a fantastic opportunity. 'It will be truly wonderful to lead such a prestigious and historic club in England after a year of sitting on the sidelines. 'I feel I am ready to start again with immense enthusiasm.' Mancini appeared to be an outsider, with Steve Bruce emerging as thefirm favourite for the Stadium of Light post soon after Ricky Sbragia's resignation seven days ago. Wigan have confirmed they will not stand in the way of Bruce, their manager, providing Sunderland pay £3million in compensation. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has already given Bruce permission totalk to Sunderland, and said this morning that he expected a decisionto be made by the end of today.

Source: Daily_Mail