Sunderland close to naming Bruce as new manager

Sunderland were close to announcing Steve Bruce as their new manager on Tuesday following talks between the club and the former Manchester United defender on the terms of his appointment.

Bruce is understood to want to bring key members of his backroom team at Wigan, led by assistant manager Eric Black, to the Stadium of Light.

That could trigger a request for increased compensation from Wigan, who agreed a fee for releasing Bruce from his contract at the Lancashire club on Monday.

Bruce is expected to be given substantial funds to strengthen Sunderland’s squad this summer following American businessman Ellis Short’s acquisition of a controlling interest in the club.

Sunderland are targetting a top 10 finish next season after avoiding relegation on the final day of the just-finished campaign.

Ricky Sbragia stepped down as manager immediately after the final match, admitting that the club needed a bigger name to galvanise an under-performing squad.

Sbragia has been promised a continuing role at the club, which could complicate negotiations on the make-up of Bruce’s coaching staff.