Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is racing against the transfer window to offload players and bring in some cash to offset his summer signings. Bruce has already made five captures this summer, while Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Lyon centre-back John Mensah are reportedly close to penning loan deals at the Stadium of Light.
Bruce has now revealed he is looking to reduce his current squad before the end of the month, with Matt Kilgallon likely to go on loan to Middlesbrough this week and Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney and Phil Bardsley reportedly in line for moves.
"I have to balance the books somehow," Bruce told the Northern Echo.
"In football there is a bit of a reality check and it's not all about bringing people in. I have to wheel and deal to bring people in and balance the books.
"That's in my mind. Part of my job is to make sure the figures work too. There's been interest from a few clubs in a few of our players but nothing too much. No real written offers at the moment."
He has already set his sights on Welbeck, who has also attracted interest from Bolton, Blackpool and Wigan, and he has also targeted Manchester City's £8m-rated defender Nedum Onuoha.
"With the 25-man squad rule now as it is, there's a few clubs that can be looked at, and Manchester City are one," he added.
"It's our job to look at the big clubs because they have bigger squads.
"Tottenham are another one too. They have big squads and when that is narrowed down to 25 then you have to have a look."
