Bruce wants to keep Bendtner

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce intends to sign on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner following the Dane’s impressive start to the season.

Bendtner has made a positive impact on Wearside since his deadline-day loan move, scoring two goals in seven appearances, and Bruce admitted he would like to make it a permanent deal.

“I have made no secret we would love to sign him,” Bruce said.

“However, it is going to be one of those again, the better he does, certainly internationally, (the more) people are looking at him.”

“I spoke to (Denmark coach) Morten Olsen on Thursday and he was delighted with his performances and, I have to say, so am I for us.”

“He is another one who has benefited from coming here. He was out of the picture at Arsenal and all of a sudden he is playing.”

“Now I think he has got five in five for his international team since he has come to Sunderland.”

“So we would like to take him and the conversation is one that will probably take place in five or six months.”