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.

Gardner deal to be done in 24 hours

Craig Gardner is set to end his 18-month spell with Birmingham in the next 24 hours and complete a £5million move to Sunderland, Press Association Sport understands.

Birmingham fan Gardner admitted it was "a dream come true" when he made the move from local rivals Aston Villa to St Andrew's during the January 2010 transfer window in a £3million deal. He celebrated by finishing as leading scorer with 10 goals in his only full campaign at Blues and helped them lift the Carling Cup.

Welbeck called up by England

Striker Danny Welbeck has been called into the England squad for the first time following the withdrawal of Aaron Lennon.

The Football Association confirmed on Monday night that Lennon had been released back to Tottenham as a precaution after he experienced discomfort in his hamstring at the end of a training session ahead of the friendly with Ghana.

Aston Villa defend Darren Bent transfer conduct

Aston Villa today strongly defended their conduct in the move that took Darren Bent from Sunderland to Villa Park.Bent's switch to Villa was completed yesterday for an initial £18million three days after the striker put in a shock transfer request.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce yesterday claimed Bent had been unsettled and Quinn has revealed he feared three weeks ago that the 26-year-old had his mind elsewhere.

But Villa issued a strongly-worded statement today stressing that there had been no "inappropriate approach" to the player.