Sunderland and Wigan agree £3m compensation for Bruce to become boss at Stadium of Light

01 June 2009 11:30
Moving up: Bruce is heading back to the North East Steve Bruce has officially opened talks with Sunderland after the Wearside club agreed a £3million compensation package with Wigan. Sunderland's new owner Ellis Short and chairman Niall Quinn had identified the former Birmingham boss as their top target following Ricky Sbragia's resignation. But Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has dug his heels in over compensation after he paid the St Andrews club £3m two years ago. Now the two clubs have reached a compromise, Bruce's appointment is expected to be announced in the next 24 hours and he will be unveiled when he returns from his summer holiday. Short and Quinn wanted an experienced manager to take the club forward after Sbragia just managed to see off relegation following Roy Keane's shock departure before Christmas. And although Bruce, who was born in Corbridge, is a renowned Newcastle supporter, the former Manchester United defender is regarded as the ideal man who can build a squad and enjoy the finances Short hopes to make available. The American businessman has already worked with the previous board to fund Keane's £90m spending spree over two years and last week he said he is willing to increase his personal investment to avoid further battles against relegation. Bruce, who is expected to bring his extensive coaching staff from Wigan, has grown dissatisfied with the task there after selling Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios in January and facing the sale of Luis Antonio Valencia this summer. Whelan meanwhile is now expected to make a move for Swansea manager Roberto Martinez.

Source: Daily_Mail