Steve Bruce

By The Black Cats
July 24 2009

Steve Bruce talks about his transfer strategy and confirms his interest in a number of players saying we still have irons in the fire, one of those irons he confirmed as being Marouane Chamakh.

Bruce said: “We’ve still got one or two irons in the fire like we’ve had for weeks. We’d all love them to be in by now, but it hasn’t quite been possible. We’re still trying and we’re close, in particular to one deal being done over the next couple of days.

“But after what has happened this week with Peter Crouch, I don’t want to say too much. That was a massive disappointment and you can never say yes, the deal is done, until everything has been done.” Chamakh has already claimed in the French media that talks with Sunderland are at an advanced stage and Bruce made no attempt to distance himself from the proposed move.

He explained: “Chamakh is a player I’ve liked for a long, long time. We have shown an interest and we’ll see what develops with that.

 “He is one of a few we are looking at and we will decide soon. Niall got back on Thursday and there will be high level talks going on over the weekend, not just about him, but regarding other targets as well. Something could happen in the next couple of days.”

He said: “I will never change the way I do my business. I’m looking at a higher calibre of player at Sunderland than I was at Wigan, but the way I’m going about things isn’t any different.

“It’s been a tough market this summer. Prices have been inflated. It’s not just the £80m Real Madrid paid for Ronaldo, it’s the emergence of Manchester City.

“That has made it very hard for the rest of us because everyone has got that little bit more expensive. As I’ve always done, I want to get value for money.

“I keep tight control of the purse strings, I look after the club’s money like it is my own and I’m a tight Geordie you know.

“We want to bring in another three or four and we are looking to make sure they enhance the squad rather than just add numbers to it.”

He said: “It’s a wonderful experience to play against big European teams and ideal preparation for the season ahead. We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity and hopefully we can play two good games.”