Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch is a target for Sunderland.

The People says Steve Bruce wants to make Crouch his first signing as Sunderland manager.

American businessman Ellis Short has taken over control at the Stadium of Light, promising a huge transfer war chest for whoever replaced Ricky Sbragia as manager.

And beanpole hitman Crouch is top of the list as incoming gaffer Bruce plans a multi-million pound transfer blitz in the coming weeks.

Crouch could be sold by Pompey despite the potential Arab takeover at Fratton Park.

He is on huge wages of around £75,000-a-week that will drain any owner's resources, but Sunderland are willing to take that salary on.

Bruce would go to around £12m for Crouch but will not have his new-found wealth taken for granted when he goes in for his targets in the coming weeks.