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.