Bruce set to axe midfielder

Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque looks to be heading for the exit door after falling out of favour with Steve Bruce.

The French international was completely left out of the squad that drew with Fulham at the weekend even though Bruce is short of midfielders and it is a clear indication the former Spurs man no longer has a future at the Stadium of Light.
Bruce is said to be unhappy with the player's attitude and lack of determination as the Black Cats try and pull away from the drop zone so a move away looks to be on the cards.
The emergence of Jordan Henderson and David Meyler has also pushed Malbranque down the pecking order, while Bruce will be looking to draft in new faces in the summer which means some of the deadwood will be cleared out.