Bruce Decision Looming

Sunderland fans should fan out whether Steve Bruce will be taking over at the club by the end of today, according to Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan.

Whelan told BBC Sport: 'Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn told me that he understands he can't mess about and by Sunday evening we'll have a decision.

'I've asked for £3m in compensation, but I don't want to lose Steve.'

"Talks are in progression and I've asked for a compensation fee because I think it's only fair that they buy out his contract.

'I paid Birmingham £3m so I'm asking for the same amount back.

'There's a lot of managers who you can get for free and it depends whether they feel they want to pay £3m.

'But if they want a real quality manager, Steve is up there among the best.

'I said to Steve and Niall, 'please do a deal quickly if you're going to do one because Wigan will have no manager and I can't let that go on for too long'.

'Niall is a straight and honest guy and immediately they come to a decision they will tell me and hopefully they're going to do it on Sunday.'

While Steve Bruce is unlikely to be greeted with universal approval of the Mackem faithful, especially considering some of the other high profile managers that have declared their interest in the role, it remains to be seen. However, considering the workload that the next manager faces once he does take over, many fans will welcome the quick appointment so that overhaul of the squad can begin.

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