Steve Bruce is keen to bolster his Black Cats squad with the signing of winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, dubbed the 'Egyptian Beckham', as he continues his rebuilding plans at the Stadium of Light.

The 22-year-old would be Sunderland's sixth major summer signing if they can manage to put in place a a loan deal with ENNPI Cairo before the transfer window closes next week.

The ex-Wigan boss believes his strike force is complete, after signing Fraizer Campbell and Darren Bent to play alongside Kenwyne Jones, but would like more numbers in midfield after selling Dean Whitehead to Stoke for £3million.

Midfield duo Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana have arrived on Wearside already this summer, but Bruce is keen to strengthen his options on the flanks and appears to have turned his attentions to Al-Muhammadi.

"It could happen. We will have to wait and see. That would be a loan deal as well," Bruce revealed to the Sunderland Echo, after seeing his side triumph 4-1 against Norwich in the Carling Cup on Monday evening.

Al-Muhammadi, one of the rising stars in African football, has been close to a move to the Premier League before after a trial at Blackburn in October last year.

Despite impressing during this period the move failed to materialise after Paul Ince left the Lancashire club weeks later.