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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is remaining tight-lipped on reports linking him with a move for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.

Both Ireland and Paraguay World Cup striker Nelson Valdez are reported to be on Bruce's summer shopping list.

However, the Black Cats boss is keeping his transfer cards close to his chest.

Bruce is reported to be on the lookout for a new central midfielder in the mould of City's Ireland following last week's surprise sale of former skipper Lorik Cana to Galatasaray.

"We have got a couple of irons in the fire and we have put a bid in today (Wednesday) for a player," he said.

"I am not going to tell you who, but we hope we can make inroads on it.

"I would envisage we will get a couple of new faces in before the season starts."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email