Bruce eyes Hutton talks

Hutton: Praised by Bruce

Steve Bruce is thinking of speaking to Harry Redknapp about the possibility of keeping Alan Hutton at Sunderland.

The Scotland right-back has made a good impression on Bruce since joining the Black Cats on loan from Tottenham during the winter transfer window.

He is set to remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season before returning to Spurs, although he is ineligible for Saturday's game between the sides.

Bruce, who has previously indicated that he would like to sign Hutton on a permanent basis, might take the opportunity to find out Redknapp's views on the situation.

"He has done very well and I like him as a character," Bruce said of Hutton in the Daily Star.

Nucleus

"I'm tempted to have a word with Harry after the game, although he will probably pass me on to his chairman.

"My immediate aim is to catch Blackburn and finish in the top 10."

Bruce is not planning wholesale changes to his squad this summer after bringing in a number of new players when he first took charge, including prolific striker Darren Bent.

"We have got the nucleus of a decent team - but if there's a Darren Bent out there, we will try and add that bit of quality," he explained.