Bruce chases Ivorian defender

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has revealed that he is interested in signing Hamburg right-back Guy Demel. The Mackems boss is now set to make a move for the 28 year-old. Demel is currently away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. He is also attracting the interest of Serie A giants AC Milan.

Bruce has also admitted that any further signings depend on what happens with the Demel deal. Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: “We have expressed our interest in Guy Demel, but he’s in Angola and we have to wait and see how that develops,”

“I feel we are a bit short of cover defensively.”

A player that won’t be moving to the Stadium of Light is Benfica striker Nuno Gomes. Sunderland were believed to be posed to make a move for the Portuguese international striker, but Bruce has poured cold water on reports by saying: “There’s nothing at all in this story about Nuno Gomes,”

The Mackems have also been linked with Rennes defender Rod Fanni. However they will face stiff competition for the 28 year-old star with the likes of Everton, Manchester City and West Ham also interested in signing the full-back.

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