TITUS Bramble would relish the opportunity to follow Steve Bruce from Wigan to Sunderland despite his chequered past at Newcastle United.

Bramble was often ridiculed by Black Cats fans during his four years at United because of a series of high-profile mistakes which tarnished his reputation and made him a source of national amusement.

However, the centre-back has been a revelation during two years at Wigan Athletic and was voted both player and supporters’ player of the year last season after a superb individual campaign.

The powerful defender also won rave reviews from Bruce, who had tried to persuade the former England Under-21 international to sign a new three-year contract before he was himself lured to Wearside by Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn.

The Journal understands Sunderland’s new manager is now hoping to sign both Bramble and former Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole from his former club.

Bramble only has one year left on his existing deal at the JJB Stadium and has stalled on talks, while Cattermole is also keen on a move back to the North East after one year at Wigan.

Although Bramble – who made 157 appearances for the Magpies following a £5m move from Ipswich Town -– still has a reputation for making eye-catching errors, he has become a far more consistent player under Bruce’s tutelage and, at 27, has gained the experience needed to thrive in the Premier League.

A source close to the player said: “Titus would love to work with Steve Bruce again. They got on really well at Wigan and Titus became a much better player with him as manager. There is a lot of

mutual respect and Steve was desperate to try and persuade Titus to sign a new contract at Wigan before he realised he was leaving for Sunderland, showing how important he thought he was to the team.”