Steve Bruce has been told to forget his interest in Titus Bramble and Lee Cattermole, both of whom are central to Wigan Athletic Football Club’s plans.

The former Latics boss, now at Sunderland, is said to be keen on taking both of his former players to the Stadium of Light, as he looks to reshape his Black Cats squad.

However, his successor at the JJB Stadium, Roberto Martinez, is keen to keep the spine of his side together and has ruled out selling his key players.

“The spine has a great mentality,” he said. “From Chris Kirkland, to Titus Bramble, to Lee Cattermole, you have a solid spine that represents Wigan – and that is important.”