The 25-year-old midfielder has just a year left on his current contract with the Black Cats.
“Niall (Quinn) has had talks with Kieran’s father,” Bruce told the Northern Echo. “And they’re ongoing.
“I was delighted with Kieran last season, and the way he played at left-back.
“I think he’s got his head around it now (playing at left-back) and he’s OK. But of course he also can play in midfield and I’m not ruling that out. He’s another player we have who can play in midfield.”
