Bruce ready to let duo leave

Strike pair make loan moves permanent in close season

Last updated: 12th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bruce ready to let duo leave

Murphy: Free to join Town

Related links

Teams

Also see

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is prepared to let Daryl Murphy and David Healy turn their loan deals with Championship side Ipswich into permanent moves.

The front pair are both on loan until the end of the season with Roy Keane's side after finding opportunities at the Stadium of Light limited.

Murphy has found the net fives times since his move to Portman Road, meanwhile Healy has scored once as the Tractor Boys look to stave off the threat of relegation.

Both have played regularly under Keane - who managed the duo while he managed Sunderland - and current Black Cats boss Bruce says he would let them leave the club at the end of the season.

"Both Daryl and David seem happy with Ipswich," said Bruce. "If Ipswich are happy with them then we'll sit down and see if we can sort out something agreeable to all parties.

"There's a big difference when dropping down to the Championship. This is reflected in wages and can be a barrier to stop a lot of players moving down.

"Both Daryl and David have been regular members of my squad, but realistically, to be fair to them, it is time to move on."

Meanwhile, Ipswich have allowed midfielder Edward Upson to join League Two side Barnet on a one-month loan.