Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has long been a big fan of Middlesbrough defender David Wheater ... and The Sun reports a switch to the Stadium of Light is simply a matter of time.
Apparently Bruce has launched a £5million bid for Wheater ... if you believe The Sun ... but Boro have yet to confirm it.
The Sun: "But the transfer will start with an initial January loan deal then the Mackems will piece together a £4m move for Wheater, rising a further £1m on incentives."