Defender Titus Bramble will sign for the Black Cats
Jul 21 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
TITUS Bramble is on the verge of sealing a shock move to Sunderland after travelling to Wearside last night for the first stage of a medical in a lightning quick deal for the Black Cats.
Bramble has been keen to link up with former manager Steve Bruce again ever since he left Wigan last summer, and had thought he might get a move 12 months ago only for the Latics to refuse to sell the centre-back to the Black Cats so soon after the departure of Lee Cattermole.
The former Newcastle defender is “delighted” at the prospect of returning to the North East. Wigan reluctantly agreed to let him go after he explained his reasons for wanting to leave.
The player felt he had achieved as much as he could in Lancashire and believes Sunderland “are a club that is going places”.
Bramble, who made 105 appearances for the Magpies, has been voted Wigan player of the year and has become a firm crowd favourite at the DW Stadium having successfully rebuilt his career after a mixed time at St James’ Park.
The Journal understands the deal is virtually sealed providing Bramble, who only received a call to tell him a bid had been accepted at 5pm yesterday, completes the final stage of his medical today.
The fee is thought to be less than £2m, which is fantastic value for money for the Wearsiders in the current market.
It remains to be seen how Sunderland fans react to the signing of the former United star, although Bruce is a big admirer of the former England Under-21
international and is confident he has matured into a top-class Premier League defender.
In turn, Bramble (right) – a close friend of Darren Bent – has described Bruce as a massive influence on his career and has credited him for giving him the self-belief to make the most of his natural ability.
Newcastle supporters will also have their own views on the deal, and the 28-year-old can be assured of a mixed reception when the two sides meet in the Tyne-Wear derby in October.
Bramble’s capture is not thought to put Sunderland’s plans to re-sign John Mensah on loan from Lyon in jeopardy.
Bruce was always keen to add another centre-back to his roster because of the Ghana star’s suspect fitness.
Mensah is currently on holiday after his World Cup exploits, but has told Bruce he wants to return to the Stadium of Light rather than stay at Lyon or move to another league in Europe. The signing of Bramble, though, relieves the pressure and will strengthen Sunderland’s hand in their negotiations with the French club.
