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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce rules out move for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland
Black Cats boss can't justify another midfield acquisition...
27 Jul 2010 13:40:00
By Danny Hart
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has dismissed speculation linking the club with a move for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.
The 23-year-old could be set to leave Eastlands this summer after reportedly being told by boss Roberto Mancini that he will not be a part of his 25-man squad for the upcoming Premier League season, although the Italian has confirmed that Ireland will be given a chance to prove himself.
Sunderland have both been strongly linked with a move for the City playmaker, while Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested in signing the player.
However, Bruce admits that although Ireland’s quality cannot be doubted, finances could prove to be a problem when trying to complete a deal.
"He's a terrific player, and someone that anybody would be interested in," Bruce told the Shields Gazette:
"But like Craig Bellamy at City, he'd be a very expensive proposition both in terms of wages and a transfer fee, and we have to prioritise."
Despite the sale of Lorik Cana to Galatasaray this summer, Bruce has Lee Cattermole, Cristian Riveros, Jordan Henderson, David Meyler and Kieran Richardson to play in central midfield.
Bruce added: "I've said before, and I'll say again, that I'm reasonably comfortable with our strength in midfield, despite losing Lorik Cana this summer.
"I've got Lee Cattermole and Cristian Riveros who could be a great pairing next season with their abilities.
"But I've also got Jordan Henderson and Kieran Richardson who can play there and do a great job.
"We've got Jack Colback coming through, who has looked great in pre-season, and a little further down the line we should have David Meyler coming back from injury, and Meyler really excited me with his contribution when he was injury-free last season.
"So I think I'm pretty well served in central midfield. Ireland's an excellent player but we are looking to strengthen elsewhere."
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The 23-year-old could be set to leave Eastlands this summer after reportedly being told by boss Roberto Mancini that he will not be a part of his 25-man squad for the upcoming Premier League season, although the Italian has confirmed that Ireland will be given a chance to prove himself.
Sunderland have both been strongly linked with a move for the City playmaker, while Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested in signing the player.
However, Bruce admits that although Ireland’s quality cannot be doubted, finances could prove to be a problem when trying to complete a deal.
"He's a terrific player, and someone that anybody would be interested in," Bruce told the Shields Gazette:
"But like Craig Bellamy at City, he'd be a very expensive proposition both in terms of wages and a transfer fee, and we have to prioritise."
Despite the sale of Lorik Cana to Galatasaray this summer, Bruce has Lee Cattermole, Cristian Riveros, Jordan Henderson, David Meyler and Kieran Richardson to play in central midfield.
Bruce added: "I've said before, and I'll say again, that I'm reasonably comfortable with our strength in midfield, despite losing Lorik Cana this summer.
"I've got Lee Cattermole and Cristian Riveros who could be a great pairing next season with their abilities.
"But I've also got Jordan Henderson and Kieran Richardson who can play there and do a great job.
"We've got Jack Colback coming through, who has looked great in pre-season, and a little further down the line we should have David Meyler coming back from injury, and Meyler really excited me with his contribution when he was injury-free last season.
"So I think I'm pretty well served in central midfield. Ireland's an excellent player but we are looking to strengthen elsewhere."
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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