• Premier League

Gardner on the verge of completing Sunderland move

ESPN staff
June 25, 2011
Craig Gardner was Birmingham's top scorer last season
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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is closing in on Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner.

The 24-year-old is close to agreeing a move to the Black Cats in the wake of Blues' relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

Gardner, a lifelong Blues fan who began his career with derby rivals Aston Villa, has been in Bruce's sights for some time and the Black Cats registered their interest in him earlier this month.

He was part of the side which lifted the Carling Cup in February with a famous 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a match in which he was outstanding, as he was for much of the last season despite Birmingham's relegation.

New Blues boss Hughton admitted as he was unveiled earlier this week that he was expecting several of his high-profile players to go, and much as he had to when he took over at Newcastle, he may have to wait to discover which men he can retain before he can plot the way forward.

Bruce turned his attention to Gardner after selling England international Jordan Henderson to Liverpool in a move worth almost £20 million, and with Bolo Zenden and Sulley Muntari having also left the club, he has a rebuilding job to do in midfield.

He has already landed former City winger Sebastian Larsson who, like Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, will formally complete a Bosman free transfer on July 1.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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