Bruce hoping Crouch can be ‘statement’ signing

PETER CROUCH was last night locked in transfer talks with Sunderland after the Black Cats agreed a £12million (€14m) deal with Portsmouth.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce confirmed yesterday the clubs were in discussions, but denied a fee had been offered and accepted. But it is believed a price has been agreed for Crouch and it is now up to him.

Bruce is hopeful Crouch will prove a statement signing, one which persuades other international players that Sunderland mean business.