Sunderland boss Bruce will not consider Bent sale

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will not consider selling striker Darren Bent this summer.

The Sunday Mirror says Bruce is aware England international Bent’s Premier League scoring spree since his £10million move from Tottenham last year – he scored twice again yesterday as Sunderland beat Birmingham – has attracted interest from several leading clubs.

But Bruce is confident of keeping his prize asset now that top-flight safety is looking more assured and billionaire owner Ellis Short has pledged further backing. That will disappoint ­Everton boss David Moyes, who watched Bent score a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Bolton.