Cats boss Bruce identifies priorities for transfer window

Nov 3 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Wigan full-back Figueroa is another target, with Bruce set to return to the Latics after being rebuffed in a move for the player over the summer.

Bruce watched Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson last month but is aware that they face heavy competition for the England under-21 star. Everton, Chelsea and Spurs are also looking at the player while reports of interest from Real Madrid have never been discounted.

Meanwhile, there was speculation over the weekend that Northern Ireland striker David Healy could be on his way to West Brom but that has been played down by sources in the West Midlands.

Although both Healy and fellow striker Daryl Murphy need to leave to get first-team football, Bruce is not prepared to loan them out because his squad can not afford too many more injuries.

Bruce’s resources will be tested at White Hart Lane on Saturday with influential midfielder Lorik Cana and Kenwyne Jones both suspended. The outstanding Lee Cattermole is out for another two-and-a-half months, meaning that Bolo Zenden and Jordan Henderson will be anchoring the midfield against Harry Redknapp’s side.

Bruce has also been without the services of John Mensah for a month with a calf injury, preventing the Ghana defender from building on an impressive start in a red and white shirt.

Despite the injuries, Bruce is unlikely to press for a bigger squad come January. The feeling in the camp remains that the club had too many players last season, which affected morale.