Geordie Bruce favourite for Mackem role

Last updated : 27 May 2009 By Paul Farrington
Bruce has had another good season with the Latics and guided the club to their second highest finish in the top flight (eleventh).

The former Manchester United captain has not yet dismissed the rumours which have only added flames to the fire.

William Hill at present have Bruce at 4/9 odds on favourite, with Gordon Strachan (11/4), Alan Curbishley (12/1) and Slaven Bilic (14/1) amoungst the favourites.

Such short odds would suggest there is no smoke without fire and news is certainly expected at some point today. BBC radio 5 live is commenting that the deal is agreed and all that is left is for the two clubs to agree a compensation figure.

The Latics paid Birmingham £3 million compensation for Bruce when he moved to the JJB and should Sunderland wish to complete a deal, a similar figure would need to be discussed.

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