Bruce vows to prove doubters wrong

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has once again insisted he is the right man for the job amid fresh speculation over his future.

Sources on Wearside have dismissed suggestions that Bruce's job is under threat with Martin O'Neill being lined up to replace him at the Stadium of Light. However, there is little doubt results need to improve if the manager is to retain the support he currently enjoys from owner and new chairman Ellis Short.

Bruce, currently in Korea to promote the Black Cats brand around the world, told the Northern Echo: "I hope that people still have faith in me. I know people will be questioning me, of course they are. But I'm a determined, resilient, horrible so-and-so and I will try my utmost to turn it around."

Larsson aiming for Europe

Sebastian Larsson has told his new Sunderland team-mates they should be aiming for Europe next season as Steve Bruce continues his summer overhaul.

The 26-year-old Sweden midfielder formally completed his free transfer move from Birmingham on Friday morning when he signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Larsson told SAFC TV: "It's a big club with big ambitions. We have got to try to improve each year - hopefully, that's the aim and that's what I think the club is aiming for. Everything is here to progress and with a good start, why not challenge for Europe if it's possible?"

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.

Reds agree Henderson deal

Liverpool have finally made the breakthrough in their £20million move for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Press Association Sport understands the deal, which would see striker David Ngog travelling in the opposite direction, has been completed subject to medicals for both players on Wednesday.

The news comes after days of frenzied speculation, with the Reds seemingly determined to get their hands on Henderson before he heads off with the England Under-21s squad for the European Championships in Denmark on Wednesday.