Muntari took £20,000-a-week pay cut

Steve Bruce has revealed that new signing Sulley Muntari took a “substantial” pay cut to join Sunderland – and wants to sign permanently in the summer.

The Wearside boss will hand “lightening quick” new boy Stephane Sessegnon his debut tonight against Chelsea after saying he is “happy” with his transfer window business, despite having to sell Darren Bent.

Bruce moved swiftly to land Muntari from Inter on loan and PSG rebel Sessegnon, 26, for £6million, after Bent’s departure.

A permanent deal for 26-year-old Muntari is also agreed, and Bruce hopes to complete it in the summer.

But he will not face Chelsea tonight because of work permit problems.

Bruce said: “Muntari? To be fair to the boy he has taken a drop in wages.

“He can score goals and pick the final pass. He is a top player, so to get him here is a statement.

“I have never known a player of his quality to take that kind of drop in wages.

“In this day and age that is quite refreshing.”