Bruce rules out Pete bid

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has dismissed speculation he could make a £15m bid for Italy winger Simone Pepe.

Reports have suggested the Back Cats could attempt to lure the Udinese midfielder to Wearside with a club record offer this summer.

However, Bruce said today: “Where that one has come from, I don’t know. I can’t envisage me paying £15m for an Italian winger. That’s a bit wide of the mark.”

Meanwhile, Bruce has confirmed that midfielder Bolo Zenden has been offered another year’s contract at the Stadium of Light.