Steed Malbranque is set to become the first casualty of Sunderland summer spending spree according to the Daily Mail.

Manager Steve Bruce has deemed the French midfielder surplus to requirements after bringing midfielders Craig Gardner, David Vaughan and Sebastian Larsson in during the close season.

A move to Ligue 1 side St Etienne is now in the pipeline with Bruce looking to free up some funds to continue his recruitment drive.

It will prove to be an unpopular decision with the Wearside faithful with most considering the midfielder a key part of the side.

The former Fulham midfielder signed for the Black Cats from Tottenham in 2008 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.

However he never could replicate the form he showed at White Hart Lane and Craven Cottage scoring only two goals in 112 appearances during his time in the North East.

With Malbranque now set to move back to France the Sunderland boss may now turn his attentions to a loan move for Manchester City’s Adam Johnson.

Bruce has been chasing the winger for some time and with the extra money available could force through a temporary deal for him.