Bruce dismisses Carrick transfer rumours

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has ruled out making a move for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick in the summer transfer window.

Despite making the England World Cup squad, the former Spurs playmaker struggled to find his best form last season.

“I don’t know where that’s come from,” said Bruce. “I think my press officer said yesterday that I’ve been away for seven weeks, and been linked with 55 different players. And signed two.”

Those two players are former Sint-Truiden goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who started against Munster at Thomond Park recently, and Paraguay midfielder Christian Riveros.

Bruce will be hoping that Riveros can link up well at Sunderland with international teammate Paulo Da Silva, after the latter set up Riveros’s goal against Slovakia in the recent World Cup.

Despite admitting that he has an excess of players in the squad, the Sunderland manager has confirmed that he is looking to bring in some fresh blood.

“We would envisage one or two new faces,” said Bruce.

“We’ve got numbers, but we’re a little short in really adding to the first team and making an impact to the first team.”