Sunderland would ideally like to conclude a quick deal for Bent and move on to strengthening their back four but, with the Black Cats so securely in the front seat in the race to sign the forward, it may not be concluded until next week.
The Black Cats were also linked with a move for Robbie Keane over the weekend – although any move for the Ireland striker would be a huge surprise.
Keane’s return to Tottenham has not been a spectacular success but the forward is understood to be hugely reluctant to move on again, and it would require Redknapp essentially forcing him out of White Hart Lane for him to end up at the Stadium of Light. The return of Bruce from his short break may also see progress in Sunderland’s pursuit of Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.
Cattermole’s value was quoted at £7m over the weekend but that has not deterred Bruce, who said at his unveiling that he would be targeting players from his former club.
Titus Bramble is another that falls into the category and he would certainly be interested in joining his former manager at the Stadium of Light if Sunderland made a move. Both of those transfers will have to wait until Roberto Martinez is confirmed at the JJB Stadium, a development expected early this week.
Bruce also has decisions to make on which players he will let go, and it appears likely that Russell Anderson will be the first through the exit door with Burnley keen to sign the Scottish defender.
Anderson played only a handful of games for the Clarets before suffering a serious knee injury, but their manager Owen Coyle was so impressed with his attitude and performances that he is ready to sanction a £300,000 bid.
Michael Chopra’s £4.5m move to Cardiff will automatically go through on July 1, and he could be joined in the list of departures by £2m flop Anthony Stokes.
There is credence in reports that suggest Stokes is a target of Hibernian, whose new manager John Hughes worked with the striker at Falkirk. But Bruce and Sunderland would have to be prepared to take a massive loss on the player.
