Bruce eyes Ireland

[Vhero]

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is believed to be ready to make an offer for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.
The Irish star has struggled to recapture the form which earned him the accolade of City's players of the season last year and has subsequently been linked with a move away from Eastlands.

Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with a move for Ireland with Bruce reportedly prepared to make him the highest paid player in the club's history in order to attract him to Wearside.

Ireland is believed to be available for around £6million while Bruce would be willing to pay him around £70,00-per-week should City accept his offer.

[Kladze]

6 million ? LOL

[Original Dub]

6m?

Makes perfect sense, because michael chopra cost them 5m before the market became inflated.

Yep, 6m - take the money and run.

[The Man In Blue]

6m?

Makes perfect sense, because michael chopra cost them 5m before the market became inflated.

Yep, 6m - take the money and run.

to be fair mate we need the cash, so i'd take it before they reduce their offer.

[HeyMark]

Everyone knows the magic figure for ireland is £8million, then we can drive him there ourselves

[Kiss_The_Goat]

As we've just learnt from Dunne's season at Villa, players have off seasons. If we sell Ireland this summer we're going to really regret it. The guy needs a pre-season to get his shit together, get fully fit and be ready to fight for his place next season. He's got all the natural ability in the world and i'd be gutted to watch him become the world class midfielder he can become at another club.

[bluecreed]

i sincerely hope he doesnt leave .this guy is one of d best first touch passer u can see in epl.has great vision of the game and can score goals too.ya he is been out of form for a while but give him a chance and he will regain it.

form is temporary , class is permanent . and this guy is pure class.

[Moonchesteri]

As we've just learnt from Dunne's season at Villa, players have off seasons. If we sell Ireland this summer we're going to really regret it. The guy needs a pre-season to get his shit together, get fully fit and be ready to fight for his place next season. He's got all the natural ability in the world and i'd be gutted to watch him become the world class midfielder he can become at another club.

Agree mate.
If he again fails to live up to the expectations next season only then we should start to consider about his futurre imo.

[Blue Since 76]

He's had a good season sandwiched between two bad ones. Prior to that, he was too young qnd we were too bad to count.

If his current form continues, he's not even a premier league player, but if he could get it together, who knows.

I'd be tempted to loan him out, for a fee and see how good he looks playing every week. If he doesn't improve, he's still worth £4m minimum, so no loss. If he sorts his head out, we've got a great, home grown player for the CL campaign

[wyted]

This could all be a clever ploy to get the best out of Ireland - We all know how good he became the last time he was offered to Sunderland!

[Geo123]

He's had a good season sandwiched between two bad ones. Prior to that, he was too young qnd we were too bad to count.

If his current form continues, he's not even a premier league player, but if he could get it together, who knows.

I'd be tempted to loan him out, for a fee and see how good he looks playing every week. If he doesn't improve, he's still worth £4m minimum, so no loss. If he sorts his head out, we've got a great, home grown player for the CL campaign

Loan him out? Are you serious? Why would a player wanted by about 6 clubs (at least) even consider a loan move? It doesnt put him in any better position then when mancini arrived no matter how good he plays. This would never happen.

[shawzy]

Loan him to Brum..The last player they had off us came back better ;-$ haha

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

He'd better stick to eyeing little children.

[edge275]

Loan him to West Ham. I don't mind Zola or West Ham as a club but I don't want elephant man or that cunt McCleish benefitting from one of our players for free (again).

[shawzy]

Loan him to West Ham. I don't mind Zola or West Ham as a club but I don't want elephant man or that cunt McCleish benefiting from one of our players for free (again).

Likes this

[Mark (Blue Army)]

I read that Chelsea were interested in him since Joe Cole hasn't agreed to a new contract, would any of you take Joe Cole and a few mill for Ireland?

[Dazzacity]

Gettin a £6 ,000,000 bid from shite like Sunderland might actually make him realise how lucky he is at City and might give him the kick up the arse that he needs.. Id personally fook him off and get a replacement that will put in consistant good seasons. We cant afford to feild players that only play when it suits them. He was given enough chances and didnt impress at all...

[Vhero]

I read that Chelsea were interested in him since Joe Cole hasn't agreed to a new contract, would any of you take Joe Cole and a few mill for Ireland?

Since Joe Cole is now a free Agent mate I don't think Chelsea really have any say in where he goes. As for people talking about Dunne although he had a great season he cost them a cup and the chance to come 5th (the last points not huge I know) so I think on that point we realise why we got rid.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Gettin a £6 ,000,000 bid from shite like Sunderland might actually make him realise how lucky he is at City and might give him the kick up the arse that he needs.. Id personally fook him off and get a replacement that will put in consistant good seasons. We cant afford to feild players that only play when it suits them. He was given enough chances and didnt impress at all...

Do NOT tempt the fate. Stevie seems like someone who doesn't do things as you'd expect. I think he would actually take up that offer. He'd be a star and a real playmaker in Sunderland and that might well be what he is looking for.

Personally I don't think Ireland is kind of player who needs kick up the arse. More like arm around his shoulders. We are all different and different methods work for different players.

[ant london]

Agree with that 100% Antti

Ireland needs understanding and love (of the non-tough) variety

If Mancini can coax his best back out of him I will doff my cap to the manager as it will demonstrate some impressive management skills