Sunderland admit interest in Craig Bellamy

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has reiterated his interest in Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy.

City boss Roberto Mancini has made it clear the 32-year-old Wales international, who spent last term on loan at hometown club Cardiff, is not part of his plans this season.

Bruce has already added nine new faces to his squad this summer, but remains on the lookout following the departure of Steed Malbranque to St Etienne.

Quoted in several newspapers, Bruce said: "I haven't got a wide left player, not a natural one, although we've got people who can play there, so we'll see.

"We're all looking at Manchester City because they've got some great players who can't even get in the squad.

"Craig Bellamy is a possibility. He can play wide left and up front so we'll see.

"I'd think every manager's looking at City. Steed leaving frees up a wage for us."

Bellamy has also been linked with a return to Celtic, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell six years ago while a Newcastle player.