Reds Not Interested In Cattermole

Steve Bruce insists Liverpool have made no indication that they want Lee Cattermole, despite ongoing speculation over the midfielder's future.

Cattermole was linked to the Black Cats at the start of the summer, but Liverpool then negotiated a big-money deal for Jordan Henderson. However, speculation surrounding Cattermole refuses to go away.

The most recent reports have suggested Sunderland have already found a new captain in the shape of new arrival John O'Shea. Liverpool has made a concentrated effort to buy British throughout the summer, and it was claimed that 23-year-old Cattermole would add to their collection.

Bruce has rubbished the entire story though, insisting the Reds have never even spoken of the former England Under-21 international. He told the Journal: "I don't know where that has come from. It's news to me.

"I have not even thought about this situation, to be honest. I have had bigger things on my plate to worry about. We have been dealing with Liverpool for the past five weeks over the Jordan Henderson deal and there was never a mention that they wanted Lee.

"I don't know where it's coming from at all."

Bruce also ruled himself out of a move for Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia, who is expected to move to Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £10 million. The Sunderland boss admits he was interested, but "it has become a bit too rich for us."