Bruce targets Wellbeck

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is ready to test former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's resolve to hang on to young striker Danny Welbeck.

Bruce has been linked with a series of frontmen from around the world in recent days, but has indicated his focus is currently on a young player at a Barclays Premier League club.

And Press Association Sport understands Manchester United's 19-year-old Welbeck is a target for the Black Cats as they attempt to strengthen their hand in attack.

The Manchester-born player spent the second half of last season on loan at Coca-Cola Championship Preston, and it could be that Bruce will look to recruit him on a similar basis if Ferguson is not prepared to do a permanent deal.

He already has Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones, Fraizer Campbell and youngster Martyn Waghorn on the books, while the likes of David Healy and Daryl Murphy are expected to move on this summer.

Bruce recruited Benjani Mwaruwari on loan from Manchester City at the end of the January transfer window, but decided not to retain his services.

Meanwhile, he will continue to monitor his defensive targets as he awaits an answer from Sol Campbell with City's Nedum Onouha among the men to have been linked with the Wearsiders in recent days.