Bruce swoops for £5m Wigan defender

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has swooped on old club Wigan for Titus Bramble in a shock £5 million deal.

Bruce inherited the powerful centre half when he was manager of the Latics and was impressed by his improved form and concentration.

However it is still a brave move as Bramble had a nightmare spell at neighbours Newcastle United and will be under pressure to perform.

Bruce is willing to take the plunge as he shakes up his squad, with John Mensah not returning and Anton Ferdinand set to be sold.

Bramble is being allowed to go by Wigan despite being their captain. Boss Roberto Martinez has a handful of centre halves and just recruited Paraguay World Cup star Antolin Alcaraz.

The Latics chief needs to raise money for new players in other areas, with Hamilton's James McArthur due to join in a £1 million deal shortly.

Martinez gave trials to Frenchman Laurent Merlin and Portuguese import Sekou Baradji last night as he looks to increase his squad numbers.