RAFINHA CATCHES BRUCE'S EYE

Mignolet move scrapped

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce has been looking to Germany for possible reinforcements with Rafinha believed to be one of the names on his radar.

The Black Cats boss is keen to reinforce his defence this month and is eyeing up a number of potential targets with Guy Demel of Hamburg also on his wanted list.

It is understood that Brazilian right-back Rafinha has been watched by the Wearsiders and emerged as an option for Bruce, should any move for ex-Arsenal man Demel fail to materialise.

Rafinha, 24, has one cap for his country and is currently with Bundesliga outfit Schalke.

A move to January could be in the pipeline as Wolfsburg are on his trail and, although a loan move to Corinthians has been dismissed as speculation, Schalke have not totally ruled out a transfer.

Bruce is interested in adding another right-back to his ranks as he has also been keeping tabs on Alan Hutton's situation at Tottenham.

Collapsed

Meanwhile, Sunderland have pulled out of a move for Simon Mignolet in January but the keeper hopes they will resurrect their interest in the summer.

We told you of the Black Cats' interest in the Sint-Truiden shot-stopper last month as Bruce sought to provide more cover for current first-choice Marton Fulop with Craig Gordon still working his way back to full fitness.

The youngster, who is under contract with the Belgian club until 2011, would have been patiently groomed for first-team football.

However, a dream move has collapsed for Mignolet, who is happy to remain in his homeland for now.

"Of course it's what you want when a club from the Premier League is interested in you," he told HBvL.

"If they come with a proposal, you always listen.

"I'm not at all disappointed. I'm always happy at STVV and won't push for a transfer. Sunderland are not gone but maybe things will be different in the summer."