Steve Bruce is on the verge of completing his first signing as Sunderland manager, with Fraizer Campbell set to leave Manchester United for the Stadium of Light.

Bruce, who has also made an £11 million bid for Peter Crouch, the Portsmouth striker, has held discussions with Campbell’s representatives after negotiating a fee, understood to be more than £5 million, with United.

The forward is expected to undergo a medical this weekend. Hull City, where Campbell spent the 2007-08 season on loan, have been long-term admirers of the England Under-21 international, who was also linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Bruce retains a firm interest in Darren Bent, the Tottenham Hotspur striker, and Richard Dunne, the Manchester City captain.

Dead certs

Real Zaragoza have completed the signing of Jermaine Pennant after his release by Liverpool. The 26-year-old passed a medical on Thursday and joins for nothing on a three-year deal. “I wanted to come to Spain and I had offers from important teams in Europe but joined Zaragoza,” he said.

Decent bets

Afonso Alves, Middlesbrough’s £12 million record signing, and Mido, the Egypt striker, have been fined the maximum two weeks’ wages and told they can leave the club after reporting late for pre-season training.

Alves, the Brazil forward, has joined the rest of his team-mates on Teesside, while Mido, who spent five months of last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, is not expected to return to the relegated club’s training ground until next week.

“They have to want to stay for the right reasons,” Gareth Southgate, the manager, said. “It’s not my job to twist their arm.”

Southgate also conceded that Tuncay Sanli, the Turkey striker, will leave the Riverside Stadium this summer. Tuncay and the injured Stewart Downing have been linked to Aston Villa.

“I would expect that there would be a lot of interest in a player of Tuncay’s quality and character,” Southgate said. “I wouldn’t think we would be able to hold on to a player of his talent and ability. We have quite a few players I would class as Premier League players, but he’s a top half of the Premier League player.”

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Samuel Eto’o have received a boost with the Cameroon striker failing to respond to Barcelona’s offer of an enhanced two-year contract. “I’ve called him a couple of times, but he hasn’t picked up the phone,” Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, said.

Long shots

Villa are one of two Barclays Premier League clubs to have had bids rejected by Leeds United for Fabian Delph, the midfield player who is valued in the region of £6 million. Leeds have also turned down inquiries for Jermaine Beckford, who is wanted by Newcastle United should Alan Shearer finally be appointed manager.

Blackburn Rovers have rejected an approach from Fulham for Keith Andrews, the midfield player.