Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is fielding interest for his young players.

The Journal says Bruce has already fielded calls from Hartlepool boss Chris Turner and Darlington chief Colin Todd about the availability of the young professionals that helped Sunderland win the Premier League reserve title last season - and Roy Keane has been credited with an interest in taking Conor Hourihane to Ipswich.

Bruce is likely to sanction loan spells for many of his rising stars - but not before seeing what they can do when pre-season begins in the second week of July.