EXCLUSIVE: Larsson to snub Arsenal and Villa to join Sunderland
Published 23:00 07/06/11 By Alan Nixon
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce wants Seb Larsson to fill Jordan Henderson's boots - and sign for the Black Cats on a free transfer.
Bruce has leapt to the front of the queue for former Birmingham City free agent Larsson in the last 24 hours as he resigns himself to selling Henderson to Liverpool.
Black Cats plan to spend Jordan cash on Birmingham duo
The Swedish international has been fielding offers for weeks, including moves by Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Newcastle - plus a surprise inquiry from old club Arsenal.
However Larsson now seems set to agree terms with Sunderland in a hurry as Bruce sees him as a perfect right-sided replacement for Henderson.
Bruce also wants Wigan's French flier Charles N'Zogbia but he has been priced out of that race - although he could go back for his target if the valuation came down.
