Steve Bruce set to move for Spurs midfielder

Mar 8 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

A priority for Bruce will be to tie up defender Hutton, who has performed well since joining Sunderland on loan and is keen to join permanently.

The Scotland right-back has impressed Bruce with his attitude and performances and the Black Cats boss believes he is a positive influence in the dressing room – but he will not come cheap with Tottenham understood to be looking for around £5million for the defender.

Bruce knows the priority is keeping Sunderland in the Premier League, but work has begun on drawing up plans for next season.

The Journal revealed Sunderland’s interest in West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans last month and they have begun negotiations with Mexican side Cruz Azul over their Paraguayan midfielder Cristian Riveros.

Meanwhile, Black Cats defender Michael Turner believes one win will change the entire outlook at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland take on Bolton tomorrow in desperate need of a win after weekend results dropped them to 15th in the league and just three points above the drop zone. Owen Coyle’s side managed a second successive win at West Ham to lift them above the Black Cats to heighten the tension which will be rebounding around the Stadium of Light tomorrow night.

The players know claming a win is paramount and Turner says the group are ‘sticking together’ to try and chisel three points which he believes would help them ease some of their relegation worries.

He said: “I am sure you and the fans can see from the stands when you are struggling confidence is low, but we are sticking together.

“I am sure over the summer the manager will bring in good players and the squad can build again. There are 11 games to go and we can have a great finish to the season.”

:: SUNDERLAND Under-18s enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Middlesbrough’s youth side at the Academy of Light on Saturday.