Sunderland signing spree not finished - Bruce

Steve Bruce has vowed to keep shaking up his Sunderland squad with fresh talent after landing Seb Larsson and Keiren Westwood yesterday.

The Sunderland boss took his signings total this summer to six as his wheeling and dealing - which has reached £50million in sales and £30m in purchases in two seasons - continued.

Larsson will be handed the right-side berth in Bruce’s new look midfield, after his free transfer yesterday from relegated Birmingham.

Westwood’s arrival means Scotland keeper Craig Gordon, who has one year left on a lucrative contract, could soon be available for transfer, as the club’s other option at the position, Simon Mignolet, is a longer-term prospect.

Bruce has also landed Craig Gardner for £5m, Ji Dong-Won for £2m, Connor Wickham for £8m (rising to £12m) and turned Ahmed El Mohamady’s loan into a £2.5m permanent deal in the last couple of weeks.

And he still has money to spend having made a massive profit cashing in big stars Darren Bent, Jordan Henderson and Kenwyne Jones for close to £50m.

Larsson said last night: “I came here because it is a club going in the right direction, with massive support. I have worked with the manager before [at Birmingham], and that made it easy.

“It is a huge club, big crowds and a great challenge and I want to take the next step in my career here. Working with the manager worked well the last time. He showed he wanted me here.

“It was a disappointing end to last season at Birmingham. but this is a fresh start and we can push on. I want to enjoy myself and do well.

“If things go well, we have to improve each year, that is what the club is aiming for: progress. If we get a good start, we might challenge for Europe. As far as the club is concerned, it has ambition.

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to it. Sunderland are a club going in the right direction - a massive club with huge support.”

Swede Larssson started at Eskilstuna and moved to Arsenal as a 16-year-old.

He made 12 appearances for the Gunners in two and a half years before joining Bruce at Birmingham in 2006. He turned out 171 times for Blues.

"I started my career in England in London and since then I seemed to have gone further and further north!" grinned Larsson. "It’s a great stadium with a great atmosphere and that’s a big reason to come here.”

Westwood says he wants to become Bruce’s new No 1 after leaving Coventry on a Bosman.

When he plays in the top flight, Westwood will complete a rise through every division from the Conference - where he played for Carlisle - up.

"I got released as a 19-year-old by Manchester City. It was a kick up the backside that I needed," he said.

"I started afresh in the Conference and I have gradually worked my way back up. When I play in the Premier League I’ll have played in all five divisions.

“The level will improve in the top flight and I am relishing that. We start training here on the sixth and I will get my head down and work hard.

"I have come here to play in the first team. It will be a tough contest. That is what the Premier League is about - competition, not just as a keeper but every position.

“It is a massive club - top 10 last season. The general feel here was good, it felt like home.”

Bruce is refusing to stand pat, and said: “Signing the very best up-and-coming talent is a key part of our recruitment strategy. Not only is Keiren full of potential, he has proved he has what it takes week in and week out under a heavy workload against tough opposition.

“We are looking forward to working with him and we are delighted to have added further competition in a vital position.”