Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is set to offer £1.5 million for Derby County midfielder Paul Green.

The Mirror says Bruce has sent scout Ian Atkins to watch Green, 27, in his last six games and is preparing a bid this summer.

Green has impressed in a struggling Derby side and Bruce wants him to add more power to his midfield at the Stadium of Light.

The former Doncaster star was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time this week by Giovanni Trapattoni.