Sunderland boss Steve Bruce intends to slap in a bid for Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

The People says Bruce is going back to Wigan with a controversial £5million move for keeper Chris Kirkland.

Bruce has made an official inquiry about Kirkland, who worked wonders for him when he was in charge of the Latics, and now he hopes to lure him to Wearside.

Wigan are taking the interest seriously because Sunderland have money to offer, and Kirkland is also on a huge salary that could be wiped off the payroll as owner Dave Whelan looks to balance the books.

Kirkland is aware of the Sunderland interest and is waiting on the nod to go for talks, a development that could even happen today as the transfer market roars on despite the deep freeze.