Bruce turns attention to Gardner

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was on Wednesday night working to tie up a move for midfielder Craig Gardner after landing teenage striker Connor Wickham.

The Black Cats quickly put their delight at seeing off the competition to snatch the 18-year-old Ipswich frontman in an £8million swoop on Wednesday to one side to concentrate on a man they hope will be one of his team-mates next season.

Birmingham's Gardner was also on Wearside for talks with Bruce keen to tie him up as quickly as possible as he closed in on a fifth summer signing following in the wake of Ahmed Elmohamady, Wickham and Bosman free transfers Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson, who will formally complete their moves on Friday.

Liverpool and Sunderland hold Jordan Henderson talks

Liverpool continue to hold talks with Sunderland over the transfer of Black Cats midfielder Jordan Henderson.

The Anfield club hope a deal can be finalised before the 20-year-old leaves with England's Under-21 squad.

Stuart Pearce's side leave for the European Championships in Denmark on Wednesday.

Starlet Wickham all set to earn his Spurs

Spurs are close to the capture of striker Connor Wickham with Ipswich weighing up a bid of £15million.

The talented striker, who turns 18 today, is aware of the offer and has told friends he expects to leave Portman Road for north London at the end of the season.