Steve Bruce

The Black Cats (9/1 – to be relegated in 2010-11) have suffered a disappointing start to the season, with just one point from their opening two matches.

Having been two-goals up on the opening day, they allowed Birmingham to take a point at the Stadium of Light before losing 1-0 at newly-promoted West Brom last weekend.

The goals they scored against Birmingham came from a Darren Bent (18/1 – Top Premier League Goalscorer) penalty and an own goal and then a blank sheet at the Hawthorns, highlighting further the need for fresh attacking blood.

Bruce surprised many by allowing Kenwyne Jones to join Premier League rivals Stoke earlier in the summer for £8million and is now looking to bring in a last-minute solution.

Despite signing Danny Welbeck on loan from Manchester United, the Black Cats boss admits further reinforcements are needed before August 31.

Bruce told the Daily Star: “It’s absolutely paramount that I replace Kenwyne Jones. I would not want to get to the end of the window without another striker here.

“We’ve got a couple of young lads in Danny Welbeck and Martyn Waghorn who will play their part, but they are young boys.”

Bruce claims to have “one or two irons in the fire” regarding potential new arrivals, but also stated that do deal is “imminent”.

Sunderland (Carling Cup 90 Mins Betting – Sunderland 4/1, Draw 16/5, Colchester 6/1)  have been linked with the likes of Peter Crouch and Roque Santa Cruz this summer, but it looks like Bruce could look abroad for the solution.

The former Wigan boss is believed to be targeting Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan, who impressed many onlookers during the World Cup.

The 24-year-old currently plays his football in France with Rennes and is likely to cost Sunderland in the region of £12million.

Things don’t get any easier for Bruce’s men, as they seek their first league win of the 2010-11 campaign, with Manchester City the visitors to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Bruce has been boosted by the news though that Andy Reid and Anton Ferdinand could be fit to return this weekend, following a spell on the sidelines with hamstring problems.

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