Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins face a battle to stay with Sunderland.

The Journal says manage Steve Bruce's determination to sign a defender could be bad news for Collins and Nosworthy.

Collins' Sunderland story has been a triumph for dedication and determination as he has survived three different managers and converted himself into a more than adequate top-flight left-back.

Those qualities will once again serve him well under Bruce - who will have got a thorough briefing on his new players from close friend Roy Keane - and the former Chester City player will not be forced out as part of the inevitable cull which comes when a new manager takes charge.

Whether Nosworthy is so fortunate remains to be seen and he could be the fall guy once Bruce has made a crucial breakthrough in the transfer market, as first team numbers are cut.