Sunderland dismiss claims of Kirkland bid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has dismissed claims he has made a £5m bid for Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland.
The 49-year-old has been linked with several goalkeepers in recent weeks, although insisted last month that with Marton Fulop, Craig Gordon and Trevor Carson on the books at the Stadium of Light, he would not looking for recruits in that department.
However, that has not stopped speculation over Fulop's future on Wearside, and therefore Bruce's potential need to find a replacement.
The manager told the Sunderland Echo: "Talk of me bidding £5m for Chris Kirkland is garbage, but he is a very good goalkeeper and I'm a big, big admirer of him.
"Some of the players I have been linked with have been ridiculous, but you come to expect that in January and there's nothing we can do about that.
"What I will say is that we are working on one or two things and hopefully we can see them progress."
Bruce moved last week to play down speculation that he could be prepared to offload striker Kenwyne Jones, although it is understood that the Black Cats might be prepared to do a deal at the right price with Birmingham, Stoke and Liverpool among those clubs thought to be monitoring his situation.
Sunderland have spoken to Schalke frontman Kevin Kuranyi, who is out of contract at the end of the season and was today touted as a possible target for Chelsea, but are yet to strike a deal, and they have an interest in Liverpool's Ryan Babel.
Their pursuit of Wigan full-back Maynor Figueroa dates back to the summer and is ongoing, although they are determined not to pay over the odds.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments