How Figueroa is still figuring in Bruce’s plans

Dec 13 2009 by Luke Edwards, Sunday Sun

With Anton Ferdinand available for transfer if an acceptable offer comes in from Tottenham or Fulham, Bruce may also rekindle his interest in Bramble who blossomed under him at the DW Stadium after leaving Newcastle.

Bruce would also like to add some creativity to his midfield, but his main priority next month will be his defence with at least one full-back and a centre-back on his priority list.

He has constantly played down the prospect of new arrivals midway through the season, but Sunderland’s poor away from has persuaded him he needs more competition for places.

Another player who could arrive in January is Crystal Palace prospect Victor Moses, with the south London club reportedly putting their entire first team squad up for sale this week because of a cash crisis at Selhurst Park.

The England Under-19 international has played the majority of his football on the left wing, but can play in a variety of attacking positions – and Bruce feels the Nigerian-born youngster is one for the future.

Sunderland have had the 18-year-old watched on a number of occasions this year and may look to take advantage of the financial crisis to sign him sooner than they first anticipated rather than see a rival club poach him.