Sunderland boss Steve Bruce hopes to snap up Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant on a Bosman.

Bruce took Pennant from Arsenal in 2005 when he was in charge at Birmingham and has made several attempts to sign him since.

Pennant was on loan at Portsmouth from Liverpool and has been touted for a switch to Real Madrid, with Atletico also monitoring his situation.

But Pennant, 26, is reluctant to move abroad - no matter how big the club. And Sunderland look certain to benefit.

Bruce is willing to pay him around £65,000 a week with the offer of a three-year contract already on the table.