The 28-year-old Scotland international is out of contract next year, having arrived in 2007 on a five-year deal from Hearts. But Gordon has seen injuries curtail his appearances and he played just 15 games for the Black Cats this season. He is currently out with a knee tendon problem, which will mean he misses pre-season and Bruce admits he cannot do much in that situation. "We can't go into negotiations now with someone who has had a serious knee operation," said Bruce. "That is the way football is and I think he understands. He is not going to do pre-season again this summer. "The lesson I have learned is I can't take the risk. I have got to find another goalkeeper. I need to try and bring in someone else. "Craig has to get back fit and give us the problem then." On the back of a question mark over Gordon's future, Sunderland are being very strongly linked with Keiren Westwood. The Republic of Ireland international is out of contract at Championship Coventry and is available on a Bosman transfer.
