Sunderland falling behind in battle for Manchester United striker Welbeck

IndiaVision News - Sunderland are struggling to land Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.

The Guardian says Steve Bruce's hopes of borrowing Welbeck from Manchester United on a season-long loan have been diminished by the ability of Blackpool and Newcastle United to offer the striker regular first-team football.

While Sir Alex Ferguson would be happy for his former centre-half to have Welbeck at the Stadium of Light he knows that, with Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones and Fraizer Campbell already on Sunderland's books, Bruce cannot guarantee the striker a place in his starting XI. In contrast, he would be regarded as first choice at both Bloomfield Road and St James' Park.

Even so, Sunderland still remain favourites for Welbeck's signature. "We're still talking," said Bruce today. "He's a player we're interested in but nothing's been agreed yet."