Steve Bruce is the number one target of Sunderland Football Club, according to reports.

The former Manchester United skipper has earned a reputation as one of the brightest coaches in the country, and is currently impressing at Wigan Athletic.

Indeed, Latics chairman Dave Whelan has labelled Bruce, who has also managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City, as a future England manager.

Despite the 48-year-old being a staunch fan of Newcastle United, he has now emerged as the number one choice for the Black Cats as a replacement for Ricky Sbragia.

It is believed Gordon Strachan, who quit as manager of Celtic on Sunday, is not even on Niall Quinn’s list of possibilities, whilst Martin Jol has signed a three-year deal with Ajax.

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