Sunderland defenders Nedum Onuoha and John Mensah in bust-up

ShareSunderland defenders John Mensah and Nedum Onuoha had a furious dressing-room bust-up after Saturday's dire 3-1 defeat by Wolves. Sportsmail has learned that the central defensive partners, who are both nearing the end of their loan spells on Wearside, were toe to toe in an ill-tempered exchange. Scrap: Onuoha (left) and Mensah (right) had to be separated following the defeat to WolvesGhana captain Mensah was taken off by manager Steve Bruce with two minutes left after a poor display. The Lyondefender stormed down the tunnel without acknowledging Bruce and was later the only player not dressed in his club suit to leave. Onuoha criticised Mensah's display, sparking a confrontation in which the two had to be separated by team-mates to stop it escalating. Mauled: Wolves found it far to easy at the Stadium of Light as Mensah is beaten by Steven Fletcher (above) and George Elokobi celebrates his winner (below) A source told Sportsmail: 'Onuoha told him exactly what he thought of his performance. Mensah didn't take too kindly to the criticism and just went for him. The others players were obviously shocked.' Mensah is now likely to return to France after a second injury-hit season. Bruce would like to sign Onuoha but is put off by Manchester City's ?8million valuation. Losing streak: Sunderland have slipped alarmingly this season following a bright start  Bramble grateful to Sir Bobby for steering his career in right directionSunderland fans hail friendly foe McCarthy despite loss to WolvesSunderland 1 Wolves 3: Matt applies the gloss as McCarthy's men seal winAll the latest Wolves news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Steve Bruce Places: Lyon, France, Ghana

Source: Daily_Mail