Bruce seeks fresh blood for Sunderland

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will be searching hard to pick up players in the summer.

Bruce’s men started strongly and were in sixth place at the turn of the year but have struggled with a mountain of injuries and are in 14th place ahead of the curtain-closing fixture at relegated West Ham on Sunday.

“I would have thought we will be very active over the summer,” Bruce said on Friday.

“We will be bringing a few people into the squad. There will be phone calls with every Tom, Dick and Harry I assume.”

“You are looking at players when you get back to work in July. I think all of us managers have a sort of mutual respect and we leave each other alone in June.”

Bruce was sad to see Avram Grant sacked by West Ham after their relegation was confirmed last weekend. Former player Kevin Keen will take charge for West Ham’s final game before they drop down to the Championship.

“It is sad for me when you see someone lose their job. We all know how difficult it is, and I think Avram has shown remarkable dignity,” he said.

“He has taken it on the chin and realised he would ultimately be judged on results. He has gone down with his head held high.”

Netherlands midfielder Bolo Zenden is set to leave the club as the 34-year-old found his opportunities limited. He has only made 10 starts – with 36 substitute appearances – since joining in October 2009 and wants to play more as his career comes to a close.

“I could not guarantee to him that he would get regular first-team football. He is a great professional and somebody will get a great player there. I can understand that he has got to an age where he wants to play.”

“I was in that situation myself once upon a time – I moved clubs because I wanted to play. You want to fill the last couple of years of your career by playing week-in, week-out. I could not offer him that but good luck to him and I am sure he will do very well.”

Sunderland will be without goalkeeper Craig Gordon (knee), defenders Titus Bramble (knee) and Michael Turner (knee), and midfielders David Meyler (knee) and Lee Cattermole (shoulder) for the clash.

Forwards Fraizer Campbell (knee), Kieran Richardson (calf), Danny Welbeck (hamstring) and Asamoah Gyan (hamstring) will also be unavailable.