Bruce negotiates Lucas Neil's move to Sunderland

The 31-year-old Australia captain has been a free agent since his contract with the Hammers expired in June. He had the intention to move forward in his career, however did not manage to find a proper club for his ambitions.

Neill joined West Ham from Blackburn in January 2007 and was made skipper of the Upton Park club that summer.

After 89 appearances for the Hammers, he rejected the offer of a new one-year contract in June. 

Should Neill sign for the Black Cats he would be Bruce's second major acquisition following the £10m arrival of Darren Bent from Tottenham on Tuesday.