Steve Bruce step up talks with Tottenham striker Darren Bent

Steve Bruce has confirmed Sunderland are locked in fresh high-level negotiations with Tottenham to buy England striker Darren Bent.

Bruce has revealed that the Black Cats have redoubled their efforts to land £10million-rated Bent.

The Black Cats boss, speaking from Sunderland's Dutch HQ for the Amsterdam Tournament, told the Sunday Mirror: "Talks are ongoing at a high level."

But it is understood that Sunderland and Spurs are a long way apart on the valaution of the deal.