Bruce Hoping For Gardner Leave

With Birmingham now being managed by former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton, he may have already lost the battle to keep his goal-scoring midfielder Craig Gardner to Sunderland.

It has been reported by newspapers this morning that Gardner, valued at £8m by relegated Birmingham, could seal a move to Wearside for only £5m this summer.

Gardner, 24, scored an impressive 10 goals from midfield and could link up again with another signing from the Midlands in Seb Larsson.

Hopefully this will allow Gardner to join up with Sunderland and get a good pre season under his belt before the opening game at Anfield arrives.