Cats close to transfer breakthrough

Jul 24 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“He is one of a few we are looking at and we will decide soon. Niall got back on Thursday and there will be high level talks going on over the weekend, not just about him, but regarding other targets as well. Something could happen in the next couple of days.”

Although Bruce has more money to play with than ever before in his managerial career, he is refusing to change the way he operates in the transfer market.

And, with Real Madrid and Manchester City spending lavishly this summer, he argued that the market is simply not offering value for money for a club like Sunderland.

He said: “I will never change the way I do my business. I’m looking at a higher calibre of player at Sunderland than I was at Wigan, but the way I’m going about things isn’t any different.

“It’s been a tough market this summer. Prices have been inflated. It’s not just the £80m Real Madrid paid for Ronaldo, it’s the emergence of Manchester City.

“That has made it very hard for the rest of us because everyone has got that little bit more expensive. As I’ve always done, I want to get value for money.

“I keep tight control of the purse strings, I look after the club’s money like it is my own and I’m a tight Geordie you know.

“We want to bring in another three or four and we are looking to make sure they enhance the squad rather than just add numbers to it.”

Meanwhile, Bruce is expecting a tough workout for his players in the Amsterdam tournament as he looks to see how his players handle top quality European opposition.

He said: “It’s a wonderful experience to play against big European teams and ideal preparation for the season ahead. We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity and hopefully we can play two good games.”