The Black Cats board have parted company with the former Manchester United defender following a run that has seen only one win in eight for the Stadium of Light outfit
The Black Cats have had a poor start to the season, culminating in a defeat to struggling Wigan on Saturday, and the club's hierarchy have acted to remove Bruce from his position as a result.
Goal.com has learned that Bruce took training with the Sunderland squad this morning, before being informed of the club's decision to relieve him of his duties in a meeting with club chairman Ellis Short.
It is also understood that Hughes, who left his last job with Fulham in the summer, has been contacted by the club and is open to taking on the task of guiding Sunderland away from the drop zone.
It is believed that Hughes could even be in charge of the Black Cats by the time they play Wolves at
Molineux on Sunday, but if negotiations extend beyond the end of this week, coach Kevin Ball - who had a spell as caretaker manager following Mick McCarthy's sacking in 2006 - will lead the team in that match.
In a club statement, Short said: "This has been a difficult time for everyone at Sunderland and is not a situation that any of us envisaged or expected to be in.
"It is my job as chairman to act in the best interests of our football club at all times and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change.
"Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland.
"I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club over the past two and a half years and everyone here at Sunderland naturally wishes him the very best for the future.
"I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start to the season. Their support continues to be the driving force behind our club and is vital as we now look to the future."
Sunderland only managed to record a single victory in their last eight Premier League matches, and find themselves 16th in the Premier League.
Bruce joined the club in the summer of 2009 after impressing whilst in charge of Wigan, he managed to achieve 10th and 13th place finished in his two full seasons at Sunderland.
source:Goal.com
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