Sunderland may have £24m to spend on a striker, but Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told Black Cats counterpart Steve Bruce it won't be going on loanee Danny Welbeck. Bruce is trying to find a replacement for the England international Darren Bent who shocked the Stadium of Light with his abrupt departure for Aston Villa.
Welbeck has enjoyed a splendid first half-season on Wearside after joining on loan from United.
The 20 year old is currently sidelined following a minor knee operation, but has proved himself capable of being a Premier League striker.
With Michael Owen unlikely to be handed a new contract in the summer, the chances seem high that Welbeck will become Ferguson's fourth-choice front man.
"Steve has as much chance of getting me," Ferguson told Key103, when asked about the possibility of Welbeck joining Sunderland on a permanent basis.
"It is unfortunate Danny will be out for six weeks because he was playing so well. He has shown fantastic form and he is only 20.
"He has a long way to go yet but the signs are good for him."
