Steve Bruce is keen on a permanent deal for Nicklas Bendtner, but fears the striker's form could see Sunderland miss out on his signing.
Sunderland boss delighted with on-loan striker's performances
Steve Bruce is keen to hold talks over a permanent deal for Nicklas Bendtner, but fears the striker's form could see Sunderland miss out on his signing.
Bendtner is on a season-long loan at Sunderland from Arsenal and has insisted he has no intention of returning to Emirates Stadium next summer.
He has scored twice in seven Premier League appearances for the Black Cats and has also been in impressive form in helping Denmark qualify for Euro 2012.
Sunderland boss Bruce has been delighted with the 23-year-old's contribution to date, but is aware there is likely to be plenty of competition to sign Bendtner on a permanent basis.
Benefited
"I have made no secret we would love to sign him," said Bruce.
"However, it is going to be one of those again, the better he does, certainly internationally, (the more) people are looking at him.
"I spoke to (Denmark coach) Morten Olsen on Thursday and he was delighted with his performances and, I have to say, so am I for us.
"He has done terrifically well, so let's hope he keeps doing that.
"He is another one who has benefited from coming here. He was out of the picture at Arsenal and all of a sudden he is playing.
"Now I think he has got five in five for his international team since he has come to Sunderland.
"So we would like to take him and the conversation is one that will probably take place in five or six months.
"At the moment, Nick is doing very well for us and I hope he will continue with that."
