Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has made a £5 million bid to bring Birmingham City midfielder Craig Gardner to the Stadium of Light, according to Sky Sports News. The 24-year-old had been ear-marked as a key summer target for the club, and they now made a formal offer to the recently relegated Blues. The cash-strapped Midlands side need to sell to balance the books after dropping out of the Premier League, and Gardner is considered to be one of the most saleable assets. With interest strong in the former Aston Villa man, Birmingham might hold out for a bigger offer. They are believed to value Gardner at closer to £10 million. But the Black Cats have pounced early in the hope that the Blues won't be able to resist a quick deal and getting some money in the coffers for their rebuilding programme. Gardner finished as Cityâs leading goalscorer last season with 10 goals in all competitions. Newcastle United are among the other Premier League clubs reported to be interested in signing Gardner.
Haway man, you.ve gotta be faster than that.... We've got spy bugs in every chairmans office, waiting for something to happen.
