Sunderland closing in on Michael Turner

Sunderland closing in on Michael Turner

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce hopes to push through a move for Hull defender Michael Turner.

Press Association Sport understands the Black Cats have been given permission to speak to the 25-year-old after tabling an offer which could eventually rise to around £12million.

Turner has been chased by several clubs this summer, but none had previously come up with the necessary cash to tempt them to sell.

However, Tigers boss Phil Brown admitted after Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Wolves that the offers currently on the table were "getting towards a ridiculous valuation for a player who cost us £300,000".

But if Turner does head for the Stadium of Light, there is no chance of striker Fraizer Campbell moving in the opposite direction.

The 21-year-old former Manchester United frontman was a target for Hull before he joined Sunderland in a £3.5million deal rising to £6million in July.

There had been suggestions that Brown would ask for Campbell as part of any deal for Turner, but although he is yet to start a league game for his new club, he has already made an impression on Wearside and will not be allowed to leave.

Bruce has worked hard to recruit defensive targets this summer, landing Paraguay international Paulo da Silva and loan signing John Mensah to date.

However, Paul McShane joined Hull for an undisclosed fee on Sunday, while Danny Collins, having held talks with Stoke, is also being chased by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, the man who took him to Sunderland from Chester for just £140,000 in October 2004.

With Nyron Nosworthy also attracting interest as the transfer window heads towards Monday's 5pm deadline, the manager is determined to bolster his resources at the back further, with Wigan's Maynor Figueroa also thought to be on his list.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are still awaiting developments on Ipswich boss Roy Keane's swoop for midfield duo Grant Leadbitter and Carlos Edwards.

The clubs have agreed fees, but the transfer is being held up by personal terms.