Steve Bruce is on the brink at Sunderland.
The Daily Express says owner Ellis Short heavily backed Bruce in the summer transfer window, bankrolling 11 signings, and he is understood to be dissatisfied with performances as Sunderland have yet to win in five Premier League and cup matches.
Although Short was impressed with Sunderland's 10th-place finish last season, he is concerned at the lack of progress despite his outlay.
Short is renowned in the corporate world for his unwillingness to accept second best and wants to see an immediate upturn in fortunes.
