Compo package paves way for Bruce to join Black Cats

STEVE BRUCE is on the verge of becoming Sunderland manager after Wigan accepted a compensation package offered by the north-east club.

The Latics boss, born just a few miles outside Newcastle, was identified as the number one target by Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn and it now appears he has got his man.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan stressed he would not let his manager leave on the cheap, having paid £3million to release Bruce from his Birmingham contract in November 2007.

Whelan has now accepted a suitable fee from their Premier League rivals, although it is believed to be less than £3m.

A compromise was reached as both clubs were looking for a swift conclusion to negotiations with pre-season training due to start in just over a month.

Sunderland officials are in Portugal to speak to Bruce, who is on holiday, but it is not expected negotiations over personal terms will be a stumbling block.

Bruce, who turned down the Newcastle job in the past, will take over at the Stadium of Light at the best possible time after American businessman Ellis Short assumed total control last week.

The former Birmingham and Crystal Palace manager is likely to have access to a substantial transfer fund but Short expects a return on his money.

Sunderland escaped relegation by only two points last month but the new owner has already targeted a top-10 finish next season.

Meanwhile Celtic will face competition from Wigan and Real Sociedad if they continue to pursue Swansea manager Roberto Martinez.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins yesterday revealed he had rejected a request from Celtic to speak to the Spaniard about the vacant managerial role at Parkhead. But Jenkins added Sociedad had also enquired about his manager while he expects Wigan to follow suit in the coming days.

Celtic may yet be allowed to speak to Martinez as Jenkins admitted he would perform a U-turn if the 35-year-old insists on speaking to the Glasgow club when he returns from holiday.

Martinez led the Welsh club to the League One title in his first full season in charge and took them to eighth place in their debut season in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Owen Coyle looks set to pledge his future to Burnley while West Brom continue to insist there has been no approach for former Hoops defender Tony Mowbray, who has two years left on his contract.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee and Craig Levein also continue to be linked with the post but the Dundee United boss yesterday denied any knowledge of interest from Celtic, or indeed from Aberdeen as they seek to replace Jimmy Calderwood.

Everton manager David Moyes has also ruled himself out of the running.