Sunderland have bid £6million for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole. The Mackems had a bid rejected for the former Middlesbrough ace last week, but manager Steve Bruce is determined to get his man and has now upped his bid. New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce managed Cattermole at Wigan, prior to his switch to the Stadium of Light earlier this summer and he believes that the star would be keen to follow him to the North-East.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez doesn’t want the England Under-21 international to leave, but could lose his industrial midfielder. The Latics boss said: “Lee is not for sale – end of story. He is a fantastic player, a leader on and off the field, and he is central to our plans. We are not interested in selling him which is why this offer was rejected immediately.”
The Athletic fans would see his departure as highly disappointing after the club finished in a respectivable 11th place in the Premier League last season. Cattermole was a driving force behind that finish, making 33 appearances and fast becoming a fans favourite.
Liverpool have also been linked with the midfielder but have yet to make a official approach or bid, which leaves Sunderland in the driving seat for the players signature.
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