STEVE Bruce has pledged to improve his squad this summer, but the Sunderland boss insists he will not be “held to ransom” by rival clubs.

With the Black Cats having confirmed their Premier League survival with last weekend’s 2-1 win over Burnley, Bruce has begun to turn his attention to the improvements he feels are required if they are to compete for a European place next season.

With finances at some clubs likely to be tight, the support of American owner Ellis Short will make the Sunderland manager one of the few bosses certain to have a significant sum of money to spend this summer.

That can be something of a double-edged sword, and Tottenham have already hinted they will attempt to squeeze every last penny out of the Wearsiders before they agree to turn Alan Hutton’s loan into a permanent transfer.

Bruce is willing to pay big money when needed, as underlined by last summer’s £10m purchase of Darren Bent, but he will not be steamrollered into spending more than he believes a player is worth.

“I’ve never been held to ransom,” said the boss. “In management you are always judged on your signings, and I always act like I am spending my own money.

“But we do know that topquality Premier League players cost money.

“We are always on the lookout for talent. Were at 20 or 22 games every weekend, our scouting network is very good indeed.

“We have one or two irons in the fire, but I’m not giving anything away just yet.”

One of those irons is goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, and Bruce is close to agreeing a deal for the Belgium Under- 21 international.

Sunderland goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink has watched Mignolet on a number of occasions this season, and is understood to have been impressed by the 6ft 4in shot-stopper.

Mignolet helped Sint Truiden win promotion to Belgium’s Jupiler League last season, and has been integral to their pursuit of a Champions League place during the current campaign.

His arrival at the Stadium of Light would enable him to compete with Trevor Carson for the right to be first reserve behind established number one Craig Gordon.

Hungary international Marton Fulop will leave Sunderland this summer having fallen out of favour in the last few months.