Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is readying a January swoop for Cardiff City's star midfielder Peter Whittingham, as he looks to build on his side's impressive start to the season.

The Black Cats have improved considerably under Bruce's assured guidance and sit in eighth place in the league, within touching distance of a European qualifying place.

Despite a loss last time-out against Spurs, they have recorded some notable victories this season, including against Liverpool - the beachball gate saga - and they earned a point at Old Trafford earlier on in the campaign.

Now Bruce wants to strengthen in January and has put Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham at the top of his wish list.

The 25-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Bluebirds this term, and has scored 10 league goals already. He sits in second place in the league's top scorers table, one behind team-mate Michael Chopra.

A bid in the region of £3million is being readied by officials at Sunderland, and cash-strapped Cardiff will do well to say no to the money on offer for the former Aston Villa man.