Steve Bruce will be today named new Sunderland manager - and immediately handed a £50 million transfer kitty.

The Times says Bruce's appointment was inevitable from the moment that agreement was reached with Wigan Athletic over compensation. He was always the first choice of Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman. The 48-year-old, who will be announced officially as manager today at the Stadium of Light after agreeing personal terms last night, can look forward to a healthy transfer budget.

At least five new players will be brought to the Stadium of Light this summer, with Titus Bramble, the Wigan defender, a possible target, and Bruce is expected to ensure that Kenwyne Jones and Kieran Richardson stay at the club.

Bruce will be joined by Eric Black, his assistant at Wigan, along with Nigel Spink, the goalkeeping coach, and Keith Bertschin, the reserve-team coach and former Sunderland player.