Bookmakers have stopped taking bets on Sunderland boss Steve Bruce to become the next Premier League manager to lose his job.

The former defender was booed by fans after the Black Cats' 2-1 defeat at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The North East side are currently 16th in the Premier League table after picking up five points from a possible 18.

"Rumours have been swirling around, suggesting the possibility of Steve Bruce's imminent departure from Sunderland, leaving us with no real alternative to suspending the market pending an official statement from the club about his future," William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe told crunchsports.com.

"Only yesterday, Steve Bruce had become 11/8 favourite to be the 1st Prem boss to leave his club this season."

Bruce's side travel to fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league next Sunday.