Sunderland to offer David James short term contract

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he is considering offering David James a short term deal.

First choice Craig Gordon will miss the start of the season after breaking his arm and that has prompted Bruce to move for free agent James.

James, who turns 40 next month, has already held talks with Sunderland and is also a target for Celtic. But Bruce hinted he may only offer a short term contract to cover for Gordon.

Sunderland's Marlon Fulop wants to leave while rookies Trevor Carson and Simon Mignolet are the club's only other cover.

Bruce, who this week clinched a £1m deal for Titus Bramble, admitted he is interested in James and said: "He's still England's number one goalkeeper. He'd be a good short term signing for us.

"But what we have to decide now is to whether make a signing or whether the two young keepers that we have are ready for the Premier League.

"The Premier League is a very tough place and we'll have to take some time to think about whether they're ready for that."