Latics for me - Bruce

Alan Curbishley is interested in the Sunderland job but Steve Bruce isn't, with Latics boss insisting he is happy at the JJB Stadium.

The Black Cats are looking for a new manager after Roy Keane resigned last week and former Charlton and West Ham boss Curbishley believes he has something to offer the Wearsiders.

Curbishley told the Sun: "People think boring, mid-table Alan Curbishley's teams finish 10th and seem to look down their noses at that. But looking at the table, one or two clubs would be grateful to be in that position."

Wigan boss Bruce has no intention of a return to the north east given his allegiance to Sunderland's bitter rivals, Newcastle.

He told the same newspaper: "Let's nip this straight in the bud. It's a total non-starter. I'm very happy at Wigan and if you cut me open I'd be black and white to the core!"

Like Curbishley, Allardyce also wants a return to top-flight management and former England boss Terry Venables claims he is a "sound manager, did a marvellous job at Bolton and fits the bill."