Westermann Snubs Bruce

Heiko Westermann has delivered a blow to Sunderland by deciding to stay at Schalke 04.

Niall Quinn reportedly flew to Germany to tie up the deal but the big German defender has decided against a move to the Premier League.

Westermann told a German magazine:

‘I don’t care whether Sunderland or any other club comes in for me – I want to stay with Schalke,’ Westermann told Germany’s Kicker magazine.

‘At the end of the day, we are playing in the Champions League next season and have high expectations.

‘A transfer is not even a consideration for me.’

Steve Bruce will now move on to other targets with Matthew Upson reportedly on the radar.