Steve Bruce could finally get a full-back

Feb 1 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

That the 26-year-old can also play left-back will ease the pressure on Bruce to find an understudy for George McCartney, after Wigan Athletic refused to sell his number one target Figueroa. It will not stop him looking, however, while trying to seal the £1.5m signing of Zimbabwean striker Benjamin ‘Benjani’ Mwaruwari – a deal believed to be faltering over personal terms – or if not, James Beattie from Stoke. He may also make one last attempt to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson this season.

Hutton was a £9m signing by Juande Ramos two years ago. But the Spaniard’s successor Harry Redknapp has preferred Vedran Corluka, limiting Hutton to just one Premier League start all season. He has Champions League experience with previous club Glasgow Rangers.

Hutton will be the second defender Sunderland have signed in this window, after centre-back Matthew Kilgallon from Sheffield United.

Sunderland denied reports that they signed Al-Muhammadi. Having had the 22-year-old on trial in August, Bruce is an admirer but was unable to agree a fee with his club ENPPI.

Dubbed “the Egyptian David Beckham”, Al-Muhammadi can also play on the right of midfield so were a deal to be struck today it should not jeopardise the signing of Hutton.

That is also likely to allow Nyron Nosworthy to join Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan. Bruce would also like to add Easington-born Johnson, but with Middlesbrough reluctant to sell, may have to wait until the 22-year-old’s contract expires this summer.

Johnson has flourished since the sale of Stewart Downing granted him a regular place in Boro’s starting line-up, responding with 12 goals and numerous assists, and attracting interest from Manchester City and Chelsea.

While Bruce will be trying to pull off last-minute deals today he laughed off the suggestion of a move for Hutton’s Spurs team-mate Robbie Keane., who was linked yesterday with the Wearsiders.