Bruce vows to spend wisely in summer

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has promised to spend money wisely this summer and has told fans not to expect another major overhaul of the squad. Bruce was one of the busiest managers in the transfer market ahead of the start of this season and he is already plotting his moves for when the window reopens - but only if the price is right.He told the club's official website: "I've never been held to ransom. In management you are always judged on your signings and I always act like I am spending my own money."But we do know that top-quality Premier League players cost money. We are always on the lookout for talent. We're at 20 or 22 games every weekend - our scouting network is very good indeed."We have one or two irons in the fire but I'm not giving anything away just yet. I'd like to reiterate to the supporters that I don't think there'll be a huge blitz like last year."To let something like 18 players go in such a short space of time is a lot and I can't see that level of activity happening again."One player Bruce does want to sign is on-loan Lyon defender John Mensah.The 27-year-old Ghana captain has impressed in a year-long loan at the Stadium of Light, although he has been restricted to 16 appearances because of injury problems.Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: "Talks would have begun already but the problems caused by the no-fly zone around Britain and parts of Europe has held that process up."But, when we do get to sit down, we're at the point where Lyon know we want him and John is happy to stay."The problem you've got is that he's a £10million player - that's what Lyon paid for him - and that's what we're dealing with."And John is a £10million defender, there's no doubt about that. He's that good a player when he's fit. But, of course, I don't think anyone would entertain paying that sum of money for him because of his injury problems."

Source: Team_Talk