FORMER Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is being considered for the vacant managerial position at Hull City.

Bruce has been out of work since his dismissal at the Stadium of Light in December.

However, he is understood to be one of a handful of managers on the shortlist to replace Nick Barmby at the KC Stadium.

Barmby was sacked at the start of this month after he made comments about Hull's finances and perceived lack of investment in the January transfer window.

He appealed against his dismissal, but an internal disciplinary review upheld the decision yesterday.

As a result, Hull chairman Assem Allam is now keen to make a swift appointment to enable Barmby's successor to begin his pre-season preparations.

Bruce has expressed an interest in the position, having been overlooked for the vacancy at Wolves when the Midlands club appointed first Terry Connor on a temporary basis and then Stale Solbakken on a permanent contract earlier this month.

The Corbridge-born boss is expected to have a formal interview in the next 24 hours and will hope to be appointed before the start of next week.