Some more cheerful news for a change. Sunderland set to open Larsson talks TARGET ... Seb Larsson is wanted by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce. By CHRIS YOUNG Published on Wednesday 8 June 2011 10:12 SUNDERLAND will up their pursuit of Seb Larsson after the out-of-contract midfielder completed his international commitments. And the Black Cats are also closing in on Coventry stopper Keiren Westwood as Steve Bruce looks to complete deals for the two free transfers. Larsson was in the Sweden side which thrashed Finland 5-0 in a European Championship qualifier last night, to move within three points of group leaders Holland. The 26-year-old will now return to England to finalise his domestic future after his contract expired at relegated Birmingham City. Blackburn, Stoke and Newcastle have all been keeping a watching brief on Larsson. But Sunderland have always been in pole position to sign the former Arsenal man, with Bruce taking Larsson to St Andrewâs when manager of Birmingham. Larssonâs agent Per Jonsson confirmed to the Gazette last week that he expects his clientâs future to be sorted swiftly, and the Black Cats will hope they can make progress within the next seven days. The right-sided midfielder would offer an immediate replacement for the soon-to-depart Jordan Henderson, and finally provide Sunderland with a player who can deliver some quality from set-pieces. The move for Westwood is at a similar stage, with Sunderland at the front of the queue to sign the Republic of Ireland international. Westwood has turned down a lucrative offer to stay at Coventry to fulfil his Premier League ambitions, and there has been no shortage of suitors. Manchester City and Wolves have also been pursuing the 26-year-old former Carlisle stopper. But Sunderland have been Westwoodâs preferred destination, and the fact that he is not prepared to play second-fiddle to Joe Hart at City, suggests he is not coming to the Stadium of Light as back-up.
