Sunderland chasing Wheater

Sunderland boss David Bruce is on the look out for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, and he has turned his attentions to Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

Wheater has always been linked with a move back to the Premiership, and Sunderland are believed to be at the front of the pack to land the England youth international.

Wheater is valued by Middlesbrough in the region of £5 million, but Sunderland are only willing to pay around £3.5 million at this stage.