Speculation earlier this off-season suggested the 23-year-old could be a target for the Reds, who have since signed his team-mate Jordan Henderson. And claims that recent arrival John O'Shea may be handed Cattermole's captain's armband have sparked fresh talk of a departure. However, Bruce told the Journal: "I don't know where that has come from. It's news to me. "I have not even thought about this situation, to be honest. I have had bigger things on my plate to worry about. "We have been dealing with Liverpool for the past five weeks over the Jordan Henderson deal and there was never a mention that they wanted Lee. "I don't know where it's coming from at all." Bruce, currently in Germany with his players, who drew 1-1 with Arminia Bielefeld in their opening pre-season friendly on Sunday, also revealed the club's interest in Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is over. The Frenchman, who is currently the subject of a £10 million ($15 million) bid from Aston Villa, is a long-term target for the Black Cats' manager, who signed him during his time with the Latics. However, he, like Newcastle counterpart Alan Pardew, has baulked at the financial side of the deal. Bruce said: "[N'Zogbia] is not going to happen. It has become a bit too rich for us." N'Zogbia's proposed switch to Villa Park has not yet gone through and manager Alex McLeish will be wary after seeing his attempts to sign him for Birmingham last year founder because he could not agree personal terms. However, it is understood it would take a significant alteration in the player's stance for either of the north-east derby rivals to rekindle their interest should he remain on the market.
Bruce insists Liverpool not in for Cattermole Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has rejected reports Liverpool have made a move for Lee Cattermole. The Reds have already raided Sunderland for Jordan Henderson this summer and it was claimed over the weekend that they are also keen on his former midfield partner. But Bruce insists the Black Cats have had no contact with Kenny Dalglish's side over the 23-year-old. "I don't know where that has come from. It's news to me," Bruce told the Journal. "I have not even thought about this situation, to be honest. I have had bigger things on my plate to worry about. "We have been dealing with Liverpool for the past five weeks over the Jordan Henderson deal and there was never a mention that they wanted Lee. I don't know where it's coming from at all." http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-n...9114/0/bruce-insists-liverpool-not-cattermole
Unless Liverpool are going to play 2-6-2 formation next season can't see where they'd squeeze another midfielder in. I really rate Cattermole and reckon he gets a hard ride sometimes, admittedly doesn't do himself any favours sometimes but he's a proper workhouse in the middle when he's fully fit. For me, he should keep the captaincy this year.
How many midfielders do they want?! They still don't have a left back, centre half or striker so doubt they'd be after more midfielders!
I think Catts is going to be a massive player for us. He is (IMO) under-rated as a footballer in a lot of ways. He has an eye for a pass and has a canny shot from distance on him (he might not have (m)any goals but he hits a decent shot most of the time) I hope opposition under-rate him as much as some of our own fans as I think he will be a superb player
