Sunderland have been set a deadline of this evening to agree a compensation package with Wigan Athletic for the services of manager Steve Bruce.

The Latics boss has been given permission to speak to the Black Cats about succeeding Ricky Sbragia, and JJB Stadium chairman Dave Whelan will sanction the move if a fee of £3million is paid today.

"Well I spoke to Niall [Quinn] yesterday and what he said was that today was deadline day which I agree with because we can't be uncertain about what's happening," Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously I don't want to lose Steve. They have made an offer I have given them permission to talk to him, but we do need a deadline and that deadline is this evening.

"I think Steve has always hankered to get back into the North East somewhere, whether it be Sunderland, Newcastle United wherever. Obviously he comes from there, his roots lie up there.

"He hasn't hinted to me before he wanted to go but when the Sunderland job came up and he was approached being absolutely truthful, which he is, he told me immediately.

“It would appear that he is set on going up there. I would like to know by this evening because we have got to make moves, if I lose Steve I am going to make moves to appoint a new manager.

"I have asked for what I paid for him. I paid Birmingham City £3milllion to secure him and I've asked for my money back I don't want to lose him but it's football you know things happen.”

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