Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he is in talks with former England defender Sol Campbell.
The 35-year-old, also linked with Scottish giants Celtic, is a free agent following his release from Arsenal and Bruce, who has not hidden his desire to bolster his defence ahead of the new Premier League season, admits he has held early talks with Campbell.
The Black Cats boss said: “I have known Sol Campbell for a lot of years and it was nice to see him.
“We had a catch-up to see what his ideas are and what he is up to. It was pretty positive stuff and we will see what happens from there.”
Bruce also revealed to the Sunderland Echo that he remains in the hunt for German international defender Heiko Westermann.
Westermann missed the World Cup after suffering a broken foot, but that has not dampened Sunderland’s interest.
Bruce added: “The situation with Westermann was complicated because the boy got injured at the end of last season.
“But there is still interest there. We have made a bid, but that hasn’t come to anything at the moment.”