Departing Birmingham City midfielder Sebastian Larsson is ready to accept a move to Sunderland.
The Mirror says Bruce has leapt to the front of the queue for former Birmingham City free agent Larsson in the last 24 hours as he resigns himself to selling Henderson to Liverpool.
Black Cats plan to spend Jordan cash on Birmingham duo
The Swedish international has been fielding offers for weeks, including moves by Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Newcastle - plus a surprise inquiry from old club Arsenal.
However Larsson now seems set to agree terms with Sunderland in a hurry as Bruce sees him as a perfect right-sided replacement for Jordan Henderson.
