Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has admitted he is interested in signing England goalkeeper David James.

James, who recently left relegated side Portsmouth, is keen to still play in the Premier League and Bruce can offer the 39-year-old that opportunity.

With Sunderland No.1 Craig Gordon sidelined, James is someone Bruce could turn to solve his goalkeeping crisis.

"James could be somebody that we're interested in because of the problem with Gordon," Bruce said.

"We had a conversation with David's representatives and I'll make my mind up in the next week or so. It's something I didn't want to happen because I was very happy with Craig Gordon and how he did last year."

James has recently been attracting the interest of Scottish club Glasgow Celtic after their No.1 stopper Artur Boruc departed for Serie A club Fiorentina but Bruce denied allegations that James was using the two clubs to broker a better deal.

"David James has talked to Celtic, which we always knew he was going to do. I don't think he is trying to play one off against the other. He is just keeping his options open at the moment, but we're still hopeful something will happen."

English Championship club Bristol City have emerged as bolters in the James saga with a City spokesperson telling English paper The Sun that the paper has 'been in touch with David James' agent and offered him a one-year deal'.

It is believed that James may wish to remain at his home in Devon and the location of Bristol City may factor in his decision.

James holds the record for most English Premier League clean sheets and appearances, and also recently represented England at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.