Hart was England's third-choice keeper at the World Cup but did not play

Sunderland have made an approach to take England goalkeeper Joe Hart, 23, on loan from Manchester City.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is looking for a temporary replacement for the injured Craig Gordon, while Hart spent last season on loan at Birmingham.

"We've asked the question and we now just have to wait and see what City say," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo.

Under the new rules for 25-man squads this season City have until the end of August to make up their minds on Hart.

"The timetable is not up to us on when we get an answer, it's up to them," admitted Bruce.

606: DEBATE Go get him Brucey, Hart would be ideal cover! INwT

"Clubs don't have to name their confirmed squads until the end of August, so if they wanted to, City could delay any decisions on their squad until then."

Gordon is currently sidelined with a fractured wrist, with deputy Marton Fulop set to join former Sunderland boss Roy Keane at Ipswich.

Hart was England's third-choice goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup but failed to make an appearance as Fabio Capello's side crashed out of the competition in the last 16.

Under new rules introduced by the Premier League this season clubs have to register a squad of up to 25 players, of which eight must be 'home grown', at the end of each transfer window.

That means Manchester City - or Sunderland - have until 1700 BST on 1 September to register Hart.

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