Sacked Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is being linked with Ipswich Town.

The Sunday Express says Bruce could be set for a happy New Year, despite his sacking by Sunderland.

The Geordie, fired at the Stadium Of Light only days ago, is already being eyed by Ipswich as a potential replacement for under-fire Paul Jewell.

And if the Championship strugglers' slump continues up to Christmas, Portman Road insiders say Bruce could be handed the reins just in time for the opening of the January transfer window.

Jewell's situation won't have been helped by yesterday's 2-1 home defeat to Watford.