Steve Bruce is ready to splash out £10 million on Tottenham striker Darren Bent once his appointment as new Sunderland manager is confirmed.

The Mirror says Bent has been a prime target for the Black Cats for some time, with former managers Roy Keane and Ricky Sbragia failing to prise him away from Spurs.

Bruce is set to move for the striker, who remains out of favour at White Hart Lane despite a goals haul of 17 for the season.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is believed to be willing to listen to offers for Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko.