However, he is expected back later this week when he will begin his recruitment drive in earnest having completed some of the groundwork during his time away.

Bruce has been promised the backing of new owner Ellis Short in the transfer market, and while talk of a £200m war-chest has been dismissed, it is understood he could have up to £50m to strengthen the squad he inherited from Ricky Sbragia and before him, former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane.

But chairman Niall Quinn was at pains to stress after Short confirmed his intention to push through a buy-out of the Drumaville consortium that every penny would have to be justified in the wake of an £80m spending spree which has yielded limited results.

The Black Cats have already been linked with a £10m bid for Tottenham striker Darren Bent, a £7m swoop for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole and a £5m approach for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.

However, while it is understood there is interest in all three players, sources in north London have insisted there has been no formal contact over Bent, who is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer.

Cattermole has indicated his intention to see what prospective new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has to say on his return from the European Under-21 Championships before making any decisions on his future.

In addition, Calum Davenport, who spent a successful spell on loan at Sunderland at the end of last season, has made no secret of his interest in securing a permanent move to the north east.

Bruce will find himself linked with an array of players during the weeks ahead - indeed, the club’s official website last week published a list of 14 men who have already been touted as targets – as he looks for the players he believes can help meet Short’s target of establishing the Wearsiders amount the top 10 in the Barclays Premier League.