Sunderland are interested in signing Manchester City captain Richard Dunne as they look to bolster their defence.

Dunne has been linked with a move away from Eastlands this summer as Mark Hughes begins an overhaul of his under-performing side, and according to the Daily Mail the Black Cats have submitted a £4million bid to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

Speaking about a potential deal, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said, "He is a player who is an excellent footballer but he is a Man City player until they say any different.

"We stand in a line but we are not the only admirers. If there is a chink of light we will get through it if we can.

"We probably need a few men and spirited people to lift what we have and of course Richard Dunne would fit the bill."

Sunderland's own captain, Dean Whitehead, has also been linked with a move away, and Bruce sees Dunne as the perfect replacement.