Sunderland set to recall Martyn Waghorn

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce wants striker Martyn Waghorn back in January, according to reports in the north east.

Bruce has been impressed with the performances of Waghorn, who is on loan at Leicester City from the Black Cats until January, and may decide he is ready to be included in his Premier League squad.

Sources in Sunderland say Bruce is set to off-load David Healy, Roy O'Donovan and Daryl Murphy during the transfer window.

And he believes Waghorn is ready to provide competition for his in-favour strikers Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones and Fraizer Campbell.

Sunderland have had all of Waghorn's games for City watched and Bruce has been impressed with the way the 19-year-old has forced his way into Nigel Pearson's starting line-up ahead of the likes of Steve Howard and DJ Campbell.

If Bruce does decide to bring Waghorn back to his native north east it will be a major blow to City boss Pearson, who is hoping to extend Waghorn's loan period until the end of the season.

Waghorn has scored four goals in five starts and 12 substitute appearances, and has repeatedly stated he is enjoying his stay with City.

He has admitted he would be happy to remain with City until the end of the season if the two clubs can agree.

However, if the reports are correct, it looks as though his time with City could soon be up.