• Premier League

Bruce confirms bids for Manchester Utd trio

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
June 8, 2011
Darron Gibson could be on the way to the Stadium of Light © Getty Images
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Steve Bruce has confirmed exclusively to ESPNsoccernet that Sunderland have launched a £12 million combined bid for three Manchester United players.

Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darron Gibson have been identified as key acquisitions by Bruce.

Sunderland, flush with cash from the recent sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa and the impending departure of Jordan Henderson to Liverpool, are eager to strengthen their squad after struggling with numbers last season.

Bruce, on a family holiday in Portugal, was not prepared to make any official comment until deals are officially confirmed.

Bruce is one of the busiest managers already in the summer transfer window, generating the funds for the swoop on his former club from the sale of Henderson to Liverpool.

ESPNsoccernet understands that Bruce believes he can capture all three United players, but the moves are at an early stage and can only been firmed up once the sale of Henderson is completed.

Sir Alex Ferguson is busy with his own recruiting plans and there is sure to be a flurry of transfer activity at Old Trafford as well as at the Stadium of Light.

With United ready to do business with Sunderland, and the relationship between Bruce and Sir Alex is a very strong one, the final decision nevertheless now rests with the three players.

Bruce must feel that they might consider moving en block to Sunderland.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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