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Bruce prepared to wait for Campbell
Sunderland, 18:40, July 12, 2010 ,
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce wants Sol Campbell at the heart of his defence next season but faces a battle for his signature.
The 35-year-old centre half is now out of contract at Arsenal after moving back to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window, following an ill-fated one-match spell at Notts County.
The former Spurs and Portsmouth star is being eyed by a number of clubs, with Celtic declaring more than a passing interest in the former England international stopper.
Campbell is due to get married in the next few days and will not make any decision on his future until he returns from his honeymoon but Bruce is prepared to wait to get his man.
"He is somebody we are interested in and we hope we can do a bit of business," he said. "He's obviously got big decisions to make and we wish him well.
"He's getting married next week and then off on honeymoon and then I think he will give an answer to all the respective clubs when he comes back."
Bruce returns to his former club Birmingham for the Black Cats first Premier League match of the season on August 14 and punters wanting to use a free bet might back Sunderland to pull off an early away victory, with first-day fixtures often throwing up unusual results.