Out-of-contract Birmingham winger Sebastian Larsson is reportedly holding talks with Sunderland over a move to the North East. However there are reports that former Blues boss Alex McLeish was ready to hijack the Black Cats' pursuit and take the Swede to Aston Villa.
Bruce identified Larsson and Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood as two of three Bosman signings at the end of last season, and Sunderland are understood to be close to capturing both after their existing deals expire on June 30.
