Bruce hints at Bellamy bid

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is reportedly considering a move for out-of-favour Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy.

Wales international Bellamy, who spent last season on loan at Championship club Cardiff, does not feature in the first-team plans of City boss Roberto Mancini.

Sunderland have already been active in the transfer market, signing John O’Shea, David Vaughan, Connor Wickham and Wes Brown.

But with attacking midfielder Steed Malbranque released at the end of last season, Bruce believes there is room in the wage bill to bring in a left-sided attacker.

“I haven’t got a wide left player, not a natural one, although we’ve got people who can play there, so we’ll see,” Bruce said.

“We’re looking for a player … who can go past people. That’s where we’re looking to strengthen.”

“We’re all looking at Manchester City because they’ve got some great players who can’t even get in the squad.”

“Craig Bellamy is a possibility. He can play wide left and up front so we’ll see.”

“I’d think every manager’s looking at City. Steed leaving frees up a wage for us.”

Sunderland have also been linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips, another wide player surplus to requirements at City.

Bruce’s side begin their English Premier League campaign away to Liverpool on August 13.