• Premier League

Bruce failed with Beckham bid

ESPN staff
December 26, 2010
Steve Bruce will look to spend big if the right opportunity presents itself © Getty Images
Enlarge

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed he failed with a bid to sign David Beckham last year.

Bruce made contact with the England legend when he was made aware Beckham wanted to secure a loan move in a bid to boost his chances of playing for the national side. Beckham opted to join Milan for a second time, but it was not for the want of trying on Bruce's part.

"I tried certainly to get him here when he went back to Milan," Bruce told the Daily Star on Sunday.

"Becks said, 'Thanks, Brucie - but I'm going to Milan.' It was Milan and Prada - or Sunderland and Primark!''

Beckham is planning another loan move to Europe in January but Bruce does not feel the 35-year-old will be heading to England.

"We'll try!" Bruce quipped when asked if he would go in again for Beckham. "I still keep in touch with him. Will he come back to England? I can't see it."

Bruce has spoken of his frustration at the falling crowds at the Stadium of Light, but is ready to sign top-class players if they become available.

"We need one or two top players now," he said. "If there was £10m to spend, I would spend it on one player. I had dinner with the owner last week and he's excited about the future. If he's excited, I wouldn't rule out smashing our transfer record again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices