Bridges' contract set to become permanent

Michael Bridges is set to join Sunderland on a permanent basis when his existing loan period runs out next month.

The Black Cats have settled a deal with his club Bolton and the striker has agreed to sign until 2005, with an option of a further year.

Bridges left Sunderland, where he started his career nine years ago, for Leeds in a £5m deal in 1999 before moving to the Reebok Stadium on a free transfer last summer.

He did not make a first-team start at Bolton and signed for Sunderland for a second time in September, on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent contract. The loan arrangement runs out on December 24.

The 26-year-old fired the Black Cats' winner at Stoke on Saturday, his first goal since May 2000