Whelan wants £3m for Bruce

31 May 2009 10:53
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says Steve Bruce's proposed move to Sunderland will be decided on Sunday as he seeks £3million in compensation Whelan has given Bruce permission to talk to Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn, but as yet Sunderland have not agreed a compensation package for Bruce. Latics supremo Whelan paid Birmingham £3million when taking Bruce to the JJB Stadium and he wants his money back if he is to allow Bruce to move on. Sunderland have made Bruce their top target to replace Ricky Sbragia and Whelan admits the former Manchester United defender is keen on moving to the Stadium of Light, although the move is not certain. "Well I spoke to Niall [Quinn] yesterday and what he said was that today was deadline day which I agree with because we can't be uncertain about what's happening," Whelan told Sky Sports News. "Obviously I don't want to lose Steve. They have made an offer I have given them permission to talk to him, but we do need a deadline and that deadline is this evening. "I think Steve has always hankered to get back into the North East somewhere, whether it be Sunderland, Newcastle wherever. Obviously he comes from there, his roots lie up there. "He hasn't hinted to me before he wanted to go but when the Sunderland job came up and he was approached being absolutely truthful, which he is, he told me immediately." When asked if he was resigned to losing Bruce, Whelan said: "It would appear so, I don't know we will just wait and see but it would appear that he is set on going up there. "I would like to know by this evening because we have got to make moves, if I lose Steve I am going to make moves to appoint a new manager." Whelan admitted a compensation package had yet to be agreed between both parties to allow the move to go through. "I have asked for what I paid for him," added Whelan. "I paid Birmingham £3milllion to secure him and I've asked for my money back "I think that is only fair and I think Niall is of that opinion that it is fair so once that's agreed it is just a case of personal terms between Niall and Steve. "I don't want to lose him but it's football you know things happen. "You can't let these things get you down, if Steve leaves we will wish him good luck, we wish Sunderland good luck and get on with it." Whelan refused to be drawn on who he would like to replace Bruce if he does make the switch to Sunderland. Former Wigan player Roberto Martinez and Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson have been mentioned as a possible candidates, but Whelan expects a host of names to apply for the post if it becomes vacant. "I have not given that one thought," Whelan said about replacements. "Firstly it was a bit of shock when it came that I might be losing Steve. "It's not definite I have lost him yet so there's no use me speaking to anyone or doing anything until this evening when we are going to get a definite yes or no. "I am sure there will be 10, 15, 20 applications and if those lads [Martinez & Ferguson] are among the applicants then obviously I have to give them consideration because they are good lads."

Source: SKY_Sports