Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has revealed he would like to bring Portsmouth goalkeeper David James to the Stadium of Light (Sunderland 11/1 – to be relegated).

Bruce’s first-choice, Craig Gordon, has been ruled out for the first three months of the season after breaking his arm in training, while back-up Marton Fulop is set to depart before the new campaign kicks off.

Gordon’s injury and Fulop’s departure will leave Bruce with just Northern Irishman Trevor Carson, 22, and Belgian stopper Simon Mignolet, 21, as cover and the Black Cats boss admits he is hesitant to throw either youngster in at the deep end.

Bruce has now confirmed he is keen to sign James as a solution to his keeper crisis.

“He’s still England’s number one goalkeeper. He’d be a good short term signing for us,” said Bruce.

“But what we have to decide now is to whether make a signing or whether the two young keepers that we have are ready for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is a very tough place and we’ll have to take some time to think about whether they’re ready for that.”

James’ future is yet to be resolved and the 39-year-old remains technically a free-agent because Portsmouth are unable to offer him a deal due to their financial problems.

However, it is thought Pompey are eager for the former Liverpool man to remain at Fratton Park next season, with some reports suggesting he will be offered a role as a player-coach in a bid to entice James to stick with the struggling south coast club (Portsmouth 18/1 – npower Championship outright).

If James does decide to seek a fresh challenge Sunderland may still be left frustrated as SPL giants Celtic are known admirers of the England international. Polish keeper Artur Boruc has now joined Fiorentina and the Parkhead side are on the lookout for a new custodian, with James believed to be their number one target.

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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has revealed he would like to bring Portsmouth goalkeeper David James to the Stadium of Light (Sunderland 11/1 – to be relegated).

Bruce’s first-choice, Craig Gordon, has been ruled out for the first three months of the season after breaking his arm in training, while back-up Marton Fulop is set to depart before the new campaign kicks off.

Gordon’s injury and Fulop’s departure will leave Bruce with just Northern Irishman Trevor Carson, 22, and Belgian stopper Simon Mignolet, 21, as cover and the Black Cats boss admits he is hesitant to throw either youngster in at the deep end.

Bruce has now confirmed he is keen to sign James as a solution to his keeper crisis.

“He’s still England’s number one goalkeeper. He’d be a good short term signing for us,” said Bruce.

“But what we have to decide now is to whether make a signing or whether the two young keepers that we have are ready for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is a very tough place and we’ll have to take some time to think about whether they’re ready for that.”

James’ future is yet to be resolved and the 39-year-old remains technically a free-agent because Portsmouth are unable to offer him a deal due to their financial problems.

However, it is thought Pompey are eager for the former Liverpool man to remain at Fratton Park next season, with some reports suggesting he will be offered a role as a player-coach in a bid to entice James to stick with the struggling south coast club (Portsmouth 18/1 – npower Championship outright).

If James does decide to seek a fresh challenge Sunderland may still be left frustrated as SPL giants Celtic are known admirers of the England international. Polish keeper Artur Boruc has now joined Fiorentina and the Parkhead side are on the lookout for a new custodian, with James believed to be their number one target.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.