Wigan Athletic face a battle to keep Steve Bruce away from Sunderland.

The Daily Mail says Wigan fear Sunderland are poised to make their first move for Bruce to replace Ricky Sbragia as manager.

Bruce has emerged as one of Niall Quinn and Ellis Short's first choices for the vacancy at the Stadium of Light but Wigan's £3million compensation could kill any deal.

Quinn and new owner Short are still drawing up a short list for the vacancy and Bruce is one of the most experienced Premier League managers who could be available.