WIGAN chairman chairman Dave Whelan has asked for £3m compensation from Sunderland for manager Steve Bruce and expects a decision today.

Bruce has already had a chat with Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn after being granted permission to talk - although Roberto Mancini is also thought to have had discussions.

Quinn has maintained in recent days that he wants to keep his options open before making a firm decision, although Whelan is looking for an outcome by the end of today.

Whelan said: "I paid Birmingham a compensation fee and I think it is only fair they buy his contract out. I paid Birmingham £3m and I am asking for the same amount back.

"There are a lot of managers on the market at moment you can get for nothing. It depends whether Sunderland feel they want to pay £3m. If they want real, real quality managers Steve is up there.

"I said to Steve and to Niall that if you are going to do a deal, do it quickly. Niall spoke to me and said 'I understand we can't mess about on this and by Sunday evening we will have a decision for you'."

Although Sunderland's interest in Bruce is genuine there are other candidates and it is by no means certain that he will be Ricky Sbragia's successor.

Mancini, the former Lazio and Inter Milan manager, has also been identified as a strong contender for the post.